Slau131b PDF

MSP430 Assembly Language Tools v 3.
User's Guide
Literature Number: SLAU131B

March 2008
2 SLAU131B – March 2008
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Contents
Preface.............................................................................................................................. 13
1 Introduction to the Software Development Tools .......................................................... 15
1.1 Software Development Tools Overview ................................................................................. 16
1.2 Tools Descriptions.......................................................................................................... 17
2 Introduction to Object Modules .................................................................................. 19

2.1 Sections ..................................................................................................................... 20
2.2 How the Assembler Handles Sections .................................................................................. 21
2.2.1 Uninitialized Sections ............................................................................................. 21
2.2.2 Initialized Sections ................................................................................................ 22
2.2.3 Named Sections ................................................................................................... 22
2.2.4 Subsections ........................................................................................................ 23
2.2.5 Section Program Counters ....................................................................................... 24
2.2.6 Using Sections Directives ........................................................................................ 24
2.3 How the Linker Handles Sections ........................................................................................ 27
2.3.1 Default Memory Allocation ....................................................................................... 28
2.3.2 Placing Sections in the Memory Map ........................................................................... 28
2.4 Relocation ................................................................................................................... 29
2.4.1 Relocation Entries ................................................................................................. 29
2.4.2 Relocation Issues ................................................................................................. 30
2.5 Run-Time Relocation ...................................................................................................... 30
2.6 Loading a Program ......................................................................................................... 31
2.7 Symbols in an Object File ................................................................................................. 31
2.7.1 External Symbols .................................................................................................. 31
2.7.2 The Symbol Table ................................................................................................. 31
3 Assembler Description .............................................................................................. 33

3.1 Assembler Overview ....................................................................................................... 34
3.2 The Assembler's Role in the Software Development Flow ........................................................... 35
3.3 Invoking the Assembler .................................................................................................... 36
3.4 Naming Alternate Directories for Assembler Input ..................................................................... 37
3.4.1 Using the --include_path Assembler Option ................................................................... 37
3.4.2 Using the MSP430_A_DIR Environment Variable ............................................................ 38
3.5 Source Statement Format ................................................................................................. 39
3.5.1 Label Field.......................................................................................................... 40
3.5.2 Mnemonic Field .................................................................................................... 40
3.5.3 Operand Field ...................................................................................................... 40
3.5.4 Comment Field .................................................................................................... 41
3.6 Constants .................................................................................................................... 41
3.6.1 Binary Integers..................................................................................................... 41
3.6.2 Octal Integers ...................................................................................................... 41
3.6.3 Decimal Integers .................................................................................................. 42
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3.6.4 Hexadecimal Integers ............................................................................................. 42

3.6.5 Character Constants .............................................................................................. 42
3.6.6 Assembly-Time Constants ....................................................................................... 42
3.7 Character Strings ........................................................................................................... 43
3.8 Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 43
3.8.1 Labels ............................................................................................................... 43
3.8.2 Local Labels........................................................................................................ 43
3.8.3 Symbolic Constants ............................................................................................... 45
3.8.4 Defining Symbolic Constants (--asm_define Option) ......................................................... 45
3.8.5 Predefined Symbolic Constants ................................................................................. 46
3.8.6 Substitution Symbols.............................................................................................. 47
3.9 Expressions ................................................................................................................. 47
3.9.1 Operators ........................................................................................................... 48
3.9.2 Expression Overflow and Underflow ............................................................................ 48
3.9.3 Well-Defined Expressions ........................................................................................ 48
3.9.4 Conditional Expressions .......................................................................................... 49
3.10 Source Listings ............................................................................................................. 49
3.11 Debugging Assembly Source ............................................................................................. 51
3.12 Cross-Reference Listings ................................................................................................. 52
4 Assembler Directives ................................................................................................ 53

4.1 Directives Summary ....................................................................................................... 54
4.2 Directives That Define Sections .......................................................................................... 57
4.3 Directives That Initialize Constants ...................................................................................... 59
4.4 Directives That Perform Alignment and Reserve Space .............................................................. 61
4.5 Directives That Format the Output Listings ............................................................................. 62
4.6 Directives That Reference Other Files .................................................................................. 63
4.7 Directives That Enable Conditional Assembly .......................................................................... 63
4.8 Directives That Define Structures ........................................................................................ 64
4.9 Directives That Define Symbols at Assembly Time .................................................................... 64
4.10 Miscellaneous Directives .................................................................................................. 65
4.11 Directives Reference ....................................................................................................... 66
5 Macro Description ................................................................................................... 113

5.1 Using Macros .............................................................................................................. 114
5.2 Defining Macros ........................................................................................................... 114
5.3 Macro Parameters/Substitution Symbols .............................................................................. 116
5.3.1 Directives That Define Substitution Symbols................................................................. 117
5.3.2 Built-In Substitution Symbol Functions ........................................................................ 118
5.3.3 Recursive Substitution Symbols ............................................................................... 119
5.3.4 Forced Substitution .............................................................................................. 119
5.3.5 Accessing Individual Characters of Subscripted Substitution Symbols ................................... 120
5.3.6 Substitution Symbols as Local Variables in Macros ........................................................ 121
5.4 Macro Libraries ............................................................................................................ 122
5.5 Using Conditional Assembly in Macros ................................................................................ 123
5.6 Using Labels in Macros .................................................................................................. 125
5.7 Producing Messages in Macros ........................................................................................ 126
5.8 Using Directives to Format the Output Listing ........................................................................ 127
5.9 Using Recursive and Nested Macros .................................................................................. 128
5.10 Macro Directives Summary .............................................................................................. 129
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6 Archiver Description ............................................................................................... 131

6.1 Archiver Overview ........................................................................................................ 132
6.2 The Archiver's Role in the Software Development Flow............................................................. 133
6.3 Invoking the Archiver ..................................................................................................... 134
6.4 Archiver Examples ........................................................................................................ 135
7 Linker Description .................................................................................................. 137

7.1 Linker Overview ........................................................................................................... 138
7.2 The Linker's Role in the Software Development Flow ............................................................... 139
7.3 Invoking the Linker........................................................................................................ 140
7.4 Linker Options ............................................................................................................. 141
7.4.1 Wild Cards in File, Section, and Symbol Patterns ........................................................... 142
7.4.2 Relocation Capabilities (--absolute_exe and --relocatable Options) ...................................... 142
7.4.3 Allocate Memory for Use by the Loader to Pass Arguments (--arg_size Option) ....................... 144
7.4.4 Compress DWARF Information (--compress_dwarf Option) ............................................... 144
7.4.5 Control Linker Diagnostics ...................................................................................... 144
7.4.6 Disable Automatic Library Selection (--disable_auto_rts Option).......................................... 145
7.4.7 Disable Conditional Linking (--disable_clink Option) ........................................................ 145
7.4.8 Link Command File Preprocessing (--disable_pp, --define and --undefine Options) ................... 145
7.4.9 Define an Entry Point (--entry_point Option) ................................................................. 146
7.4.10 Set Default Fill Value (--fill_value Option) ................................................................... 146
7.4.11 Generate List of Dead Functions (--generate_dead_funcs_list Option) ................................. 147
7.4.12 Using Function Subsections (--gen_func_subsections Option) ........................................... 147
7.4.13 Define Heap Size (--heap_size Option) ...................................................................... 147
7.4.14 Alter the Library Search Algorithm (--library Option, --search_path Option, and MSP430_C_DIR
Environment Variable)........................................................................................... 147
7.4.15 Make a Symbol Global (--make_global Option) ............................................................ 149
7.4.16 Make All Global Symbols Static (--make_static Option) ................................................... 149
7.4.17 Create a Map File (--map_file Option) ....................................................................... 149
7.4.18 Managing Map File Contents (--mapfile_contents Option) ................................................ 150
7.4.19 Disable Name Demangling (--no_demangle) ............................................................... 151
7.4.20 Disable Merge of Symbolic Debugging Information (--no_sym_merge Option) ........................ 152
7.4.21 Strip Symbolic Information (--no_sym_table Option) ....................................................... 152
7.4.22 Name an Output Module (--output_file Option) ............................................................. 152
7.4.23 C Language Options (--ram_model and --rom_model Options) .......................................... 153
7.4.24 Exhaustively Read and Search Libraries (--reread_libs and --priority Options) ........................ 153
7.4.25 Create an Absolute Listing File (--run_abs Option) ........................................................ 153
7.4.26 Scan All Libraries for Duplicate Symbol Definitions (--scan_libraries) ................................... 154
7.4.27 Define Stack Size (--stack_size Option) ..................................................................... 154
7.4.28 Enforce Strict Compatibility (--strict_compatibility Option) ................................................ 154
7.4.29 Mapping of Symbols (--symbol_map Option) ............................................................... 154
7.4.30 Introduce an Unresolved Symbol (--undef_sym Option)................................................... 154
7.4.31 Replace Multiply Routine With Hardware Multiplier Routine (--use_hw_mpy).......................... 155
7.4.32 Display a Message When an Undefined Output Section Is Created (--warn_sections Option) ...... 155
7.4.33 Generate XML Link Information File (--xml_link_info Option) ............................................. 155
7.5 Linker Command Files ................................................................................................... 156
7.5.1 Reserved Names in Linker Command Files.................................................................. 157
7.5.2 Constants in Linker Command Files .......................................................................... 157
7.6 ...........................................................................................................
Object Libraries 158
7.7 The MEMORY Directive ................................................................................................. 159

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7.7.1 Default Memory Model .......................................................................................... 159

7.7.2 MEMORY Directive Syntax ..................................................................................... 159
7.8 The SECTIONS Directive ................................................................................................ 161
7.8.1 SECTIONS Directive Syntax ................................................................................... 161
7.8.2 Allocation.......................................................................................................... 163
7.8.3 Specifying Input Sections ....................................................................................... 167
7.8.4 Using Multi-Level Subsections ................................................................................. 169
7.8.5 Allocation Using Multiple Memory Ranges ................................................................... 170
7.8.6 Automatic Splitting of Output Sections Among Non-Contiguous Memory Ranges ..................... 170
7.8.7 Allocating an Archive Member to an Output Section ........................................................ 171
7.9 Specifying a Section's Run-Time Address ............................................................................ 173
7.9.1 Specifying Load and Run Addresses ......................................................................... 173
7.9.2 Uninitialized Sections............................................................................................ 173
7.9.3 Referring to the Load Address by Using the .label Directive............................................... 174
7.10 Using UNION and GROUP Statements ............................................................................... 175
7.10.1 Overlaying Sections With the UNION Statement ........................................................... 175
7.10.2 Grouping Output Sections Together ......................................................................... 177
7.10.3 Nesting UNIONs and GROUPs ............................................................................... 177
7.10.4 Checking the Consistency of Allocators ..................................................................... 178
7.10.5 Naming UNIONs and GROUPs ............................................................................... 179
7.11 Special Section Types (DSECT, COPY, and NOLOAD) ............................................................ 179
7.12 Default Allocation Algorithm ............................................................................................. 180
7.12.1 How the Allocation Algorithm Creates Output Sections ................................................... 180
7.12.2 Reducing Memory Fragmentation ............................................................................ 181
7.13 Assigning Symbols at Link Time ........................................................................................ 181
7.13.1 Syntax of Assignment Statements............................................................................ 181
7.13.2 Assigning the SPC to a Symbol .............................................................................. 182
7.13.3 Assignment Expressions ....................................................................................... 182
7.13.4 Symbols Defined by the Linker ............................................................................... 183
7.13.5 Assigning Exact Start, End, and Size Values of a Section to a Symbol................................. 184
7.13.6 Why the Dot Operator Does Not Always Work ............................................................. 184
7.13.7 Address and Dimension Operators ........................................................................... 185
7.14 Creating and Filling Holes ............................................................................................... 186
7.14.1 Initialized and Uninitialized Sections ......................................................................... 186
7.14.2 Creating Holes .................................................................................................. 187
7.14.3 Filling Holes ..................................................................................................... 188
7.14.4 Explicit Initialization of Uninitialized Sections ............................................................... 188
7.15 Linker-Generated Copy Tables ......................................................................................... 189
7.15.1 A Current Boot-Loaded Application Development Process ............................................... 189
7.15.2 An Alternative Approach ....................................................................................... 189
7.15.3 Overlay Management Example ............................................................................... 190
7.15.4 Generating Copy Tables Automatically With the Linker ................................................... 190
7.15.5 The table() Operator ............................................................................................ 191
7.15.6 Boot-Time Copy Tables ........................................................................................ 192
7.15.7 Using the table() Operator to Manage Object Components............................................... 192
7.15.8 Copy Table Contents ........................................................................................... 193
7.15.9 General Purpose Copy Routine............................................................................... 194
7.15.10 Linker-Generated Copy Table Sections and Symbols ................................................... 195

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7.15.11 Splitting Object Components and Overlay Management ................................................ 195

7.16 Partial (Incremental) Linking............................................................................................. 197
7.17 Linking C/C++ Code ...................................................................................................... 198
7.17.1 Run-Time Initialization ......................................................................................... 198
7.17.2 Object Libraries and Run-Time Support ..................................................................... 198
7.17.3 Setting the Size of the Stack and Heap Sections .......................................................... 198
7.17.4 Autoinitialization of Variables at Run Time .................................................................. 199
7.17.5 Initialization of Variables at Load Time ...................................................................... 199
7.17.6 The --rom_model and --ram_model Linker Options ........................................................ 200
7.18 Linker Example ............................................................................................................ 200
8 Absolute Lister Description ...................................................................................... 203

8.1 Producing an Absolute Listing .......................................................................................... 204
8.2 Invoking the Absolute Lister ............................................................................................. 205
8.3 Absolute Lister Example ................................................................................................. 206
9 Cross-Reference Lister Description .......................................................................... 209

9.1 Producing a Cross-Reference Listing .................................................................................. 210
9.2 Invoking the Cross-Reference Lister ................................................................................... 210
9.3 Cross-Reference Listing Example ...................................................................................... 211
10 Object File Utilities Descriptions ............................................................................... 213

10.1 Invoking the Object File Display Utility ................................................................................. 214
10.2 Invoking the Disassembler............................................................................................... 215
10.3 Invoking the Name Utility ................................................................................................ 216
10.4 Invoking the Strip Utility .................................................................................................. 217
11 Hex Conversion Utility Description ........................................................................... 219

11.1 The Hex Conversion Utility's Role in the Software Development Flow ............................................ 220
11.2 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility .................................................................................... 221
11.2.1 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility From the Command Line ........................................... 221
11.2.2 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility With a Command File ............................................... 223
11.3 Understanding Memory Widths ......................................................................................... 224
11.3.1 Target Width ..................................................................................................... 224
11.3.2 Specifying the Memory Width ................................................................................. 225
11.3.3 Partitioning Data Into Output Files ........................................................................... 226
11.3.4 Specifying Word Order for Output Words ................................................................... 227
11.4 The ROMS Directive ..................................................................................................... 228
11.4.1 When to Use the ROMS Directive ............................................................................ 229
11.4.2 An Example of the ROMS Directive .......................................................................... 230
11.5 The SECTIONS Directive ................................................................................................ 232
11.6 Excluding a Specified Section........................................................................................... 233
11.7 Assigning Output Filenames ............................................................................................ 233
11.8 Image Mode and the -fill Option ........................................................................................ 234
11.8.1 Generating a Memory Image .................................................................................. 234
11.8.2 Specifying a Fill Value ......................................................................................... 235
11.8.3 Steps to Follow in Using Image Mode ....................................................................... 235
11.9 Controlling the ROM Device Address .................................................................................. 235
11.10 Description of the Object Formats...................................................................................... 236
11.10.1 ASCII-Hex Object Format (-a Option) ...................................................................... 236
11.10.2 Intel MCS-86 Object Format (-i Option) .................................................................... 237

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11.10.3 Motorola Exorciser Object Format (-m Option) ............................................................ 238

11.10.4 Texas Instruments SDSMAC Object Format (-t Option) ................................................. 239
11.10.5 TI-TXT Hex Format (--ti_txt Option) ........................................................................ 240
11.10.6 Extended Tektronix Object Format (-x Option) ............................................................ 241
12 Sharing C/C++ Header Files With Assembly Source .................................................... 243

12.1 Overview of the .cdecls Directive ....................................................................................... 244
12.2 Notes on C/C++ Conversions ........................................................................................... 244
12.2.1 Comments ....................................................................................................... 244
12.2.2 Conditional Compilation (#if/#else/#ifdef/etc.)............................................................... 245
12.2.3 Pragmas ......................................................................................................... 245
12.2.4 The #error and #warning Directives .......................................................................... 245
12.2.5 Predefined symbol _ _ASM_HEADER_ _ ................................................................... 245
12.2.6 Usage Within C/C++ asm( ) Statements..................................................................... 245
12.2.7 The #include Directive ......................................................................................... 245
12.2.8 Conversion of #define Macros ................................................................................ 245
12.2.9 The #undef Directive ........................................................................................... 246
12.2.10 Enumerations ................................................................................................. 246
12.2.11 C Strings........................................................................................................ 246
12.2.12 C/C++ Built-In Functions ..................................................................................... 247
12.2.13 Structures and Unions ........................................................................................ 247
12.2.14 Function/Variable Prototypes ................................................................................ 247
12.2.15 C Constant Suffixes .......................................................................................... 248
12.2.16 Basic C/C++ Types ........................................................................................... 248
12.3 Notes on C++ Specific Conversions ................................................................................... 248
12.3.1 Name Mangling ................................................................................................. 248
12.3.2 Derived Classes ................................................................................................ 248
12.3.3 Templates ........................................................................................................ 249
12.3.4 Virtual Functions ............................................................................................... 249
12.4 New Assembler Support ................................................................................................. 249
12.4.1 Enumerations (.enum/.emember/.endenum) ................................................................ 249
12.4.2 The .define Directive ........................................................................................... 249
12.4.3 The .undefine/.unasg Directives .............................................................................. 249
12.4.4 The $defined( ) Directive ...................................................................................... 250
12.4.5 The $sizeof Built-In Function .................................................................................. 250
12.4.6 Structure/Union Alignment & $alignof( ) ..................................................................... 250
12.4.7 The .cstring Directive ........................................................................................... 250
A Symbolic Debugging Directives ................................................................................ 251

A.1 DWARF Debugging Format ............................................................................................. 252
A.2 COFF Debugging Format ................................................................................................ 252
A.3 Debug Directive Syntax .................................................................................................. 253
B XML Link Information File Description ....................................................................... 255

B.1 XML Information File Element Types .................................................................................. 256
B.2 Document Elements ...................................................................................................... 256
B.2.1 Header Elements ................................................................................................ 256
B.2.2 Input File List ..................................................................................................... 257
B.2.3 Object Component List .......................................................................................... 258
B.2.4 Logical Group List ............................................................................................... 259
B.2.5 Placement Map .................................................................................................. 261

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B.2.6 Symbol Table ..................................................................................................... 262
C Glossary ................................................................................................................ 263

Index ............................................................................................................................... 268

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List of Figures
1-1 MSP430 Software Development Flow .................................................................................. 16
2-1 Partitioning Memory Into Logical Blocks ................................................................................ 20
2-2 Using Sections Directives Example ...................................................................................... 25
2-3 Object Code Generated by the File in Figure 2-2 ...................................................................... 26
2-4 Combining Input Sections to Form an Executable Object Module................................................... 28
3-1 The Assembler in the MSP430 Software Development Flow ........................................................ 35
3-2 Example Assembler Listing ............................................................................................... 50
4-1 The .field Directive ......................................................................................................... 59
4-2 Initialization Directives ..................................................................................................... 60
4-3 The .align Directive......................................................................................................... 61
4-4 The .space and .bes Directives .......................................................................................... 61
4-5 Single-Precision Floating-Point Format ................................................................................. 78
4-6 The .field Directive ......................................................................................................... 84
4-7 The .usect Directive ..................................................................................................... 111
6-1 The Archiver in the MSP430 Software Development Flow .......................................................... 133
7-1 The Linker in the MSP430 Software Development Flow ............................................................ 139
7-2 Section Allocation Defined by Example 7-4 ........................................................................... 163
7-3 Run-Time Execution of Example 7-9 ................................................................................... 175
7-4 Memory Allocation Shown in Example 7-11 and Example 7-12 .................................................... 176
7-5 Autoinitialization at Run Time ........................................................................................... 199
7-6 Initialization at Load Time ............................................................................................... 200
8-1 Absolute Lister Development Flow ..................................................................................... 204
9-1 The Cross-Reference Lister in the MSP430 Software Development Flow ........................................ 210
11-1 The Hex Conversion Utility in the MSP430 Software Development Flow ......................................... 220
11-2 Hex Conversion Utility Process Flow................................................................................... 224
11-3 Object File Data and Memory Widths .................................................................................. 225
11-4 Data, Memory, and ROM Widths ....................................................................................... 227
11-5 The infile.out File Partitioned Into Four Output Files ................................................................. 230
11-6 ASCII-Hex Object Format................................................................................................ 236
11-7 Intel Hexadecimal Object Format ....................................................................................... 237
11-8 Motorola-S Format ........................................................................................................ 238
11-9 TI-Tagged Object Format ................................................................................................ 239
11-10 TI-TXT Object Format .................................................................................................... 240
11-11 Extended Tektronix Object Format ..................................................................................... 241
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List of Tables
3-1 MSP430 Assembler Options .............................................................................................. 36
3-2 Operators Used in Expressions (Precedence) ........................................................................ 48
3-3 Symbol Attributes........................................................................................................... 52
4-1 Directives That Define Sections .......................................................................................... 54
4-2 Directives That Initialize Constants (Data and Memory) .............................................................. 54
4-3 Directives That Perform Alignment and Reserve Space .............................................................. 55
4-4 Directives That Format the Output Listing .............................................................................. 55
4-5 Directives That Reference Other Files .................................................................................. 55
4-6 Directives That Enable Conditional Assembly .......................................................................... 56
4-7 Directives That Define Structures ........................................................................................ 56
4-8 Directives That Define Symbols at Assembly Time .................................................................... 56
4-9 Directives That Perform Miscellaneous Functions ..................................................................... 56
5-1 Substitution Symbol Functions and Return Values................................................................... 118
5-2 Creating Macros .......................................................................................................... 129
5-3 Manipulating Substitution Symbols ..................................................................................... 129
5-4 Conditional Assembly .................................................................................................... 129
5-5 Producing Assembly-Time Messages .................................................................................. 129
5-6 Formatting the Listing .................................................................................................... 129
7-1 Linker Options Summary ................................................................................................ 141
7-2 Groups of Operators Used in Expressions (Precedence) ........................................................... 183
9-1 Symbol Attributes in Cross-Reference Listing ........................................................................ 212
11-1 Basic Hex Conversion Utility Options .................................................................................. 222
11-2 Options for Specifying Hex Conversion Formats ..................................................................... 236
A-1 Symbolic Debugging Directives ......................................................................................... 253
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12 List of Tables SLAU131B – March 2008
Preface
SLAU131B – March 2008
Read This First
About This Manual

The MSP430 Assembly Language Tools User's Guide explains how to use these assembly language
tools:
• Assembler
• Archiver
• Linker
• Absolute lister
• Cross-reference lister
• Disassembler
• Object file display utility
• Name utility
• Strip utility
• Hex conversion utility
How to Use This Manual
This book helps you learn how to use the Texas Instruments assembly language tools designed
specifically for the MSP430™ 16 bit devices. This book consists of four parts:
• Introductory information, consisting of Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, gives you an overview of the
assembly language development tools. It also discusses object modules, which helps you to use the
MSP430 tools more efficiently. Read Chapter 2, Introduction to Object Modules, before using the
assembler and linker.
• Assembler description, consisting of Chapter 3 through Chapter 5, contains detailed information
about using the assembler. This portion explains how to invoke the assembler and discusses source
statement format, valid constants and expressions, assembler output, and assembler directives. It also
describes the macro language.
• Additional assembly language tools description, consisting of Chapter 6 through Chapter 11,
describes in detail each of the tools provided with the assembler to help you create executable object
files. For example, Chapter 7 explains how to invoke the linker, how the linker operates, and how to
use linker directives; Chapter 11 explains how to use the hex conversion utility.
• Reference material, consisting of Appendix A through Appendix C, provides supplementary
information including symbolic debugging directives that the MSP430 C/C++ compiler uses. It also
provides a description of the XML link information file and a glossary.
Notational Conventions
This document uses the following conventions:
• Program listings, program examples, and interactive displays are shown in a special typeface.
Interactive displays use a bold version of the special typeface to distinguish commands that you enter
from items that the system displays (such as prompts, command output, error messages, etc.).
Here is a sample of C code:
#include <stdio.h>
main()
{ printf("hello, cruel world\n";
}
• In syntax descriptions, the instruction, command, or directive is in a bold typeface and parameters are
SLAU131B – March 2008 Read This First 13

Related Documentation From Texas Instruments www.ti.com
in an italic typeface. Portions of a syntax that are in bold should be entered as shown; portions of a
syntax that are in italics describe the type of information that should be entered.
• Square brackets ( [ and ] ) identify an optional parameter. If you use an optional parameter, you specify
the information within the brackets. Unless the square brackets are in the bold typeface, do not enter
the brackets themselves. The following is an example of a command that has an optional parameter:
cl430 [options] [filenames] [--run_linker [link_options] [object files]]
• Braces ( { and } ) indicate that you must choose one of the parameters within the braces; you do not
enter the braces themselves. This is an example of a command with braces that are not included in the
actual syntax but indicate that you must specify either the --rom_model or --ram_model option:
cl430 --run_linker {--rom_model | --ram_model} filenames [--output_file=name.out]
--library= libraryname
• In assembler syntax statements, column 1 is reserved for the first character of a label or symbol. If the
label or symbol is optional, it is usually not shown. If it is a required parameter, it is shown starting
against the left margin of the box, as in the example below. No instruction, command, directive, or
parameter, other than a symbol or label, can begin in column 1.
symbol .usect "section name", size in bytes[, alignment]
• Some directives can have a varying number of parameters. For example, the .byte directive can have
up to 100 parameters. This syntax is shown as [, ..., parameter].
• Following are other symbols and abbreviations used throughout this document:
Symbol Definition
B,b Suffix — binary integer
H, h Suffix — hexadecimal integer
LSB Least significant bit
MSB Most significant bit
0x Prefix — hexadecimal integer
Q, q Suffix — octal integer
Related Documentation From Texas Instruments

You can use the following books to supplement this user's guide:
— MSP430x3xx Family User's Guide. Describes the MSP430x3xx™ CPU architecture, instruction
set, pipeline, and interrupts for these ultra-low power microcontrollers.
SLAU132 — MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide. Describes the MSP430 C/C++
compiler. This C/C++ compiler accepts ANSI standard C/C++ source code and produces assembly
language source code for the MSP430 devices.
SLAU134 — MSP430FE42x ESP30CE1 Peripheral Module User's Guide. Describes common
peripherals available on the MSP430FE42x and ESP430CE1 ultra-low power microcontrollers. This
book includes information on the setup, operation, and registers of the ESP430CE1.
14 Read This First SLAU131B – March 2008

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Software Development Tools
The MSP430™ is supported by a set of software development tools, which includes an optimizing C/C++
compiler, an assembler, a linker, and assorted utilities. This chapter provides an overview of these tools.
The MSP430 is supported by the following assembly language development tools:
• Assembler
• Archiver
• Linker
• Absolute lister
• Cross-reference lister
• Object file display utility
• Name utility
• Strip utility
• Hex conversion utility
This chapter shows how these tools fit into the general software tools development flow and gives a brief
description of each tool. For convenience, it also summarizes the C/C++ compiler and debugging tools.
For detailed information on the compiler and debugger, and for complete descriptions of the MSP430,
refer to books listed in Related Documentation From Texas Instruments.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
1.1 Software Development Tools Overview........................................ 16

1.2 Tools Descriptions .................................................................... 17
SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to the Software Development Tools 15

Software Development Tools Overview www.ti.com
1.1 Software Development Tools Overview

Figure 1-1 shows the MSP430 software development flow. The shaded portion highlights the most
common development path; the other portions are optional. The other portions are peripheral functions
that enhance the development process.
Figure 1-1. MSP430 Software Development Flow
C/C++
source
files
Macro
source C/C++
files compiler
C/C++ name
Assembler
Archiver demangling
source
utility
Macro
library Assembler
Library-build Debugging
Object
Archiver process tools
files
Run-time-
Library of support
object library
files Linker
Executable
object file
Hex-conversion
utility
EPROM Cross-reference Object file MSP430

Absolute lister
programmer lister utilities
16 Introduction to the Software Development Tools SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Tools Descriptions
1.2 Tools Descriptions

The following list describes the tools that are shown in Figure 1-1:
• The C/C++ compiler accepts C/C++ source code and produces MSP430 assembly language source
code. A shell program, an optimizer, and an interlist utility are included in the compiler package:
– The shell program enables you to compile, assemble, and link source modules in one step.
– The optimizer modifies code to improve the efficiency of C/C++ programs.
– The interlist utility interlists C/C++ source statements with assembly language output to correlate
code produced by the compiler with your source code.
See the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide for more information.
• The assembler translates assembly language source files into machine language object modules.
Source files can contain instructions, assembler directives, and macro directives. You can use
assembler directives to control various aspects of the assembly process, such as the source listing
format, data alignment, and section content. See Chapter 3 through Chapter 5. See the MSP430x1xx
Family User's Guide, MSP430x3xx Family User's Guide, or MSP430x4xx Family User's Guide for
detailed information on the assembly language instruction set.
• The linker combines object files into a single executable object module. As it creates the executable
module, it performs relocation and resolves external references. The linker accepts relocatable object
modules (created by the assembler) as input. It also accepts archiver library members and output
modules created by a previous linker run. Link directives allow you to combine object file sections, bind
sections or symbols to addresses or within memory ranges, and define or redefine global symbols. See
Chapter 7.
• The archiver allows you to collect a group of files into a single archive file, called a library. For
example, you can collect several macros into a macro library. The assembler searches the library and
uses the members that are called as macros by the source file. You can also use the archiver to collect
a group of object files into an object library. The linker includes in the library the members that resolve
external references during the link. The archiver allows you to modify a library by deleting, replacing,
extracting, or adding members. See Chapter 6.
• The hex conversion utility converts an object file into TI-Tagged, ASCII-Hex, Intel, Motorola-S, or
Tektronix object format. The converted file can be downloaded to an EPROM programmer. See
Chapter 11.
• The absolute lister uses linked object files to create .abs files. These files can be assembled to
produce a listing of the absolute addresses of object code. See Chapter 8.
• The cross-reference lister uses object files to produce a cross-reference listing showing symbols,
their definition, and their references in the linked source files. See Chapter 9.
• The main product of this development process is a module that can be executed in a MSP430 device.
In addition, the following utilities are provided:
• The object file display utility prints the contents of object files, executable files, and/or archive
libraries in both human readable and XML formats. See Section 10.1.
• The disassembler writes the disassembled object code from object or executable files. See
Section 10.2.
• The name utility prints a list of names defined and referenced in a object or an executable file. See
Section 10.3.
• The strip utility removes symbol table and debugging information from object and executable files.
See Section 10.4.
SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to the Software Development Tools 17

18 Introduction to the Software Development Tools SLAU131B – March 2008
Chapter 2
Introduction to Object Modules
The assembler and linker create object modules that can be executed by a MSP430™ device.
Object modules make modular programming easier because they encourage you to think in terms of
blocks of code and data when you write an assembly language program. These blocks are known as
sections. Both the assembler and the linker provide directives that allow you to create and manipulate
sections.
This chapter focuses on the concept and use of sections in assembly language programs.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
2.1 Sections................................................................................... 20
2.2 How the Assembler Handles Sections ......................................... 21
2.3 How the Linker Handles Sections ............................................... 27
2.4 Relocation ................................................................................ 29
2.5 Run-Time Relocation ................................................................. 30
2.6 Loading a Program .................................................................... 31
2.7 Symbols in an Object File .......................................................... 31
SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to Object Modules 19

Sections www.ti.com
2.1 Sections
The smallest unit of an object file is called a section. A section is a block of code or data that occupies
contiguous space in the memory map with other sections. Each section of an object file is separate and
distinct. Object files usually contain three default sections:
.text section usually contains executable code
.data section usually contains initialized data
.bss section usually reserves space for uninitialized variables
In addition, the assembler and linker allow you to create, name, and link named sections that are used like
the .data, .text, and .bss sections.
There are two basic types of sections:
Initialized sections contain data or code. The .text and .data sections are initialized; named
sections created with the .sect assembler directive are also initialized.
Uninitialized sections reserve space in the memory map for uninitialized data. The .bss section is
uninitialized; named sections created with the .usect assembler directive are
also uninitialized.
Several assembler directives allow you to associate various portions of code and data with the appropriate
sections. The assembler builds these sections during the assembly process, creating an object file
organized as shown in Figure 2-1.
One of the linker's functions is to relocate sections into the target system's memory map; this function is
called allocation. Because most systems contain several types of memory, using sections can help you
use target memory more efficiently. All sections are independently relocatable; you can place any section
into any allocated block of target memory. For example, you can define a section that contains an
initialization routine and then allocate the routine into a portion of the memory map that contains ROM.
Figure 2-1 shows the relationship between sections in an object file and a hypothetical target memory.
Figure 2-1. Partitioning Memory Into Logical Blocks

Object file Target memory
.bss RAM
.data EEPROM
.text
ROM
20 Introduction to Object Modules SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com How the Assembler Handles Sections
2.2 How the Assembler Handles Sections
The assembler identifies the portions of an assembly language program that belong in a given section.
The assembler has five directives that support this function:
• .bss
• .usect
• .text
• .data
• .sect
The .bss and .usect directives create uninitialized sections; the .text, .data, and .sect directives create
initialized sections.
You can create subsections of any section to give you tighter control of the memory map. Subsections are
created using the .sect and .usect directives. Subsections are identified with the base section name and a
subsection name separated by a colon; see Section 2.2.4.
Default Sections Directive

Note: If you do not use any of the sections directives, the assembler assembles everything into the
.text section.
2.2.1 Uninitialized Sections

Uninitialized sections reserve space in MSP430 memory; they are usually allocated into RAM. These
sections have no actual contents in the object file; they simply reserve memory. A program can use this
space at run time for creating and storing variables.
Uninitialized data areas are built by using the .bss and .usect assembler directives.
• The .bss directive reserves space in the .bss section.
• The .usect directive reserves space in a specific uninitialized named section.
Each time you invoke the .bss or .usect directive, the assembler reserves additional space in the .bss or
the named section. The syntaxes for these directives are:
.bss symbol, size in bytes [, alignment ]
symbol .usect "section name", size in bytes [, alignment]
symbol points to the first byte reserved by this invocation of the .bss or .usect directive. The
symbol corresponds to the name of the variable that you are reserving space for. It can
be referenced by any other section and can also be declared as a global symbol (with
the .global directive).
size in bytes is an absolute expression.
• The .bss directive reserves size in bytes bytes in the .bss section. The default value
is 1 byte.
• The .usect directive reserves size in bytes bytes in section name. You must specify a
size; there is no default value.
alignment is an optional parameter. It specifies the minimum alignment in bytes required by the
space allocated. The default value is byte aligned. The value must be power of 2.
section name tells the assembler which named section to reserve space in. See Section 2.2.3.

How the Assembler Handles Sections www.ti.com
The initialized section directives (.text, .data, and .sect) tell the assembler to stop assembling into the
current section and begin assembling into the indicated section. The .bss and .usect directives, however,
do not end the current section and begin a new one; they simply escape from the current section
temporarily. The .bss and .usect directives can appear anywhere in an initialized section without affecting
its contents. For an example, see Section 2.2.6.
The assembler treats uninitialized subsections (created with the .usect directive) in the same manner as
uninitialized sections. See Section 2.2.4, for more information on creating subsections.
2.2.2 Initialized Sections

Initialized sections contain executable code or initialized data. The contents of these sections are stored in
the object file and placed in MSP430 memory when the program is loaded. Each initialized section is
independently relocatable and may reference symbols that are defined in other sections. The linker
automatically resolves these section-relative references.
Three directives tell the assembler to place code or data into a section. The syntaxes for these directives
are:
.text
.data
.sect " section name "
When the assembler encounters one of these directives, it stops assembling into the current section
(acting as an implied end of current section command). It then assembles subsequent code into the
designated section until it encounters another .text, .data, or .sect directive.
Sections are built through an iterative process. For example, when the assembler first encounters a .data
directive, the .data section is empty. The statements following this first .data directive are assembled into
the .data section (until the assembler encounters a .text or .sect directive). If the assembler encounters
subsequent .data directives, it adds the statements following these .data directives to the statements
already in the .data section. This creates a single .data section that can be allocated continuously into
memory.
Initialized subsections are created with the .sect directive. The assembler treats initialized subsections in
the same manner as initialized sections. See Section 2.2.4, for more information on creating subsections.
2.2.3 Named Sections

Named sections are sections that you create. You can use them like the default .text, .data, and .bss
sections, but they are assembled separately.
For example, repeated use of the .text directive builds up a single .text section in the object file. When
linked, this .text section is allocated into memory as a single unit. Suppose there is a portion of executable
code (perhaps an initialization routine) that you do not want allocated with .text. If you assemble this
segment of code into a named section, it is assembled separately from .text, and you can allocate it into
memory separately. You can also assemble initialized data that is separate from the .data section, and
you can reserve space for uninitialized variables that is separate from the .bss section.
Two directives let you create named sections:

• The .usect directive creates uninitialized sections that are used like the .bss section. These sections
reserve space in RAM for variables.
• The .sect directive creates initialized sections, like the default .text and .data sections, that can contain
code or data. The .sect directive creates named sections with relocatable addresses.
The syntaxes for these directives are:

symbol .usect "section name", size in bytes [, alignment ]

.sect "section name"
The section name parameter is the name of the section. Section names are significant to 200 characters.
You can create up to 32 767 separate named sections. For the .usect and .sect directives, a section name
can refer to a subsection; see Section 2.2.4 for details.
Each time you invoke one of these directives with a new name, you create a new named section. Each
time you invoke one of these directives with a name that was already used, the assembler assembles
code or data (or reserves space) into the section with that name. You cannot use the same names with
different directives. That is, you cannot create a section with the .usect directive and then try to use the
same section with .sect.
2.2.4 Subsections
Subsections are smaller sections within larger sections. Like sections, subsections can be manipulated by
the linker. Subsections give you tighter control of the memory map. You can create subsections by using
the .sect or .usect directive. The syntaxes for a subsection name are:
symbol .usect "section name:subsection name", size in bytes [, alignment ]

.sect "section name:subsection name"
A subsection is identified by the base section name followed by a colon and the name of the subsection. A
subsection can be allocated separately or grouped with other sections using the same base name. For
example, you create a subsection called _func within the .text section:
.sect ".text:_func"
Using the linker's SECTIONS directive, you can allocate .text:_func separately, or with all the .text
sections. See Section 7.8.1 for an example using subsections.
You can create two types of subsections:
• Initialized subsections are created using the .sect directive. See Section 2.2.2.
• Uninitialized subsections are created using the .usect directive. See Section 2.2.1.
Subsections are allocated in the same manner as sections. See Section 7.8 for information on the
SECTIONS directive.

2.2.5 Section Program Counters

The assembler maintains a separate program counter for each section. These program counters are
known as section program counters, or SPCs.
An SPC represents the current address within a section of code or data. Initially, the assembler sets each
SPC to 0. As the assembler fills a section with code or data, it increments the appropriate SPC. If you
resume assembling into a section, the assembler remembers the appropriate SPC's previous value and
continues incrementing the SPC from that value.
The assembler treats each section as if it began at address 0; the linker relocates each section according
to its final location in the memory map. See Section 2.4 for information on relocation.
2.2.6 Using Sections Directives

Figure 2-2 shows how you can build sections incrementally, using the sections directives to swap back
and forth between the different sections. You can use sections directives to begin assembling into a
section for the first time, or to continue assembling into a section that already contains code. In the latter
case, the assembler simply appends the new code to the code that is already in the section.
The format in Figure 2-2 is a listing file. Figure 2-2 shows how the SPCs are modified during assembly. A
line in a listing file has four fields:
Field 1 contains the source code line counter.
Field 2 contains the section program counter.
Field 3 contains the object code.
Field 4 contains the original source statement.
See Section 3.10 for more information on interpreting the fields in a source listing.

Figure 2-2. Using Sections Directives Example
1 .global _mpyi
5 0000 .data
6 0000 0011 coeff .word 011h,0x22,0x33
0002 0022
0004 0033
10 0000 .bss buffer,10
14 0006 0123 ptr .word 0x123
18 0000 .text
19 0000 403A add: MOV.W #0x1234,R10
0002 1234
20 0004 521A ADD.W &coeff+1,R10
0006 0001!
24 0008 .data
25 0008 00AA ivals .word 0xAA,0xBB,0xCC
000a 00BB
000c 00CC
29 0000 var2 .usect ”newvars”, 1

30 0001 inbuf .usect ”newvars”, 7
34 0008 .text
35 0008 403C mpy: MOV.W #0x3456,R12
000a 3456
36 000c 421D MOV.W &coeff,R13
000e 0000!
37 0010 1290 CALL _mpyi
0012 FFEE!
41 0000 .sect ”vectors”

42 0000 0300 .word 0x300
Field 1 Field 2 Field 2 Field 4

As Figure 2-3 shows, the file in Figure 2-2 creates five sections:
.text contains six 32-bit words of object code.
.data contains seven words of initialized data.
vectors is a named section created with the .sect directive; it contains one word of initialized data.
.bss reserves 10 bytes in memory.
newvars is a named section created with the .usect directive; it contains eight bytes in memory.
The second column shows the object code that is assembled into these sections; the first column shows
the source statements that generated the object code.
Figure 2-3. Object Code Generated by the File in Figure 2-2

Line numbers Object code Section
19 403A .text
19 1234
20 521A
20 0001!
35 403C
35 3456
36 421D
36 0000!
37 1290
37 FFEE!
6 0011 .data
6 0022
6 0033
14 0123
25 00AA
25 00BB
25 00CC
No data - .bss
10 ten bytes
reserved
No data - newvars
29
eight bytes
30
reserved
0300 vectors
42

www.ti.com How the Linker Handles Sections
2.3 How the Linker Handles Sections
The linker has two main functions related to sections. First, the linker uses the sections in object files as
building blocks; it combines input sections (when more than one file is being linked) to create output
sections in an executable output module. Second, the linker chooses memory addresses for the output
sections.
Two linker directives support these functions:
• The MEMORY directive allows you to define the memory map of a target system. You can name
portions of memory and specify their starting addresses and their lengths.
• The SECTIONS directive tells the linker how to combine input sections into output sections and where
to place these output sections in memory.
Subsections allow you to manipulate sections with greater precision. You can specify subsections with the
linker's SECTIONS directive. If you do not specify a subsection explicitly, then the subsection is combined
with the other sections with the same base section name.
It is not always necessary to use linker directives. If you do not use them, the linker uses the target
processor's default allocation algorithm described in Section 7.12. When you do use linker directives, you
must specify them in a linker command file.
Refer to the following sections for more information about linker command files and linker directives:
• Section 7.5, Linker Command Files
• Section 7.7, The MEMORY Directive
• Section 7.8, The SECTIONS Directive
• Section 7.12, Default Allocation Algorithm

How the Linker Handles Sections www.ti.com
2.3.1 Default Memory Allocation

Figure 2-4 illustrates the process of linking two files together.
Figure 2-4. Combining Input Sections to Form an Executable Object Module

file1.obj
.bss
.text Executable
object module Memory map
.data file1
(.bss) Space for
variables
Init file2 (.bss)
(named section) (.bss)
file1
(.data) Initialized
data
file2 (.data)
(.data)
file1
(.text) Executable
code
file2 (.text)
file2.obj (.text)
.bss Init Init
.text Tables Tables
.data
Tables
(named section)
In Figure 2-4, file1.obj and file2.obj have been assembled to be used as linker input. Each contains the
.text, .data, and .bss default sections; in addition, each contains a named section. The executable object
module shows the combined sections. The linker combines the .text section from file1.obj with the .text
section from file2.obj to form one .text section, then combines the two .data sections and the two .bss
sections, and finally places the named sections at the end. The memory map shows how the sections are
put into memory; by default, the linker begins at address 0h and places the sections one after the other as
shown.
By default, the linker begins at 0h and places the sections one after the other in the following order: .text,
.const, .data, .bss, .cinit, and then any named sections in the order they are encountered in the input files.
The C/C++ compiler uses the .const section to store string constants, and variables or arrays that are
declared as . The C/C++ compiler produces tables of data for autoinitializing global variables; these
variables are stored in a named section called .cinit (see Example 7-7). For more information on the .const
and .cinit sections, see the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide.
2.3.2 Placing Sections in the Memory Map

Figure 2-4 illustrates the linker's default method for combining sections. Sometimes you may not want to
use the default setup. For example, you may not want all of the .text sections to be combined into a single
.text section. Or you may want a named section placed where the .data section would normally be
allocated. Most memory maps contain various types of memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM, etc.) in varying
amounts; you may want to place a section in a specific type of memory.
For further explanation of section placement within the memory map, see the discussions in Section 7.7
and Section 7.8.

www.ti.com Relocation
2.4 Relocation
The assembler treats each section as if it began at address 0. All relocatable symbols (labels) are relative
to address 0 in their sections. Of course, all sections cannot actually begin at address 0 in memory, so the
linker relocates sections by:
• Allocating them into the memory map so that they begin at the appropriate address as defined with the
linker's MEMORY directive
• Adjusting symbol values to correspond to the new section addresses
• Adjusting references to relocated symbols to reflect the adjusted symbol values
2.4.1 Relocation Entries

The linker uses relocation entries to adjust references to symbol values. The assembler creates a
relocation entry each time a relocatable symbol is referenced. The linker then uses these entries to patch
the references after the symbols are relocated. Example 2-1 contains a code segment for a MSP430
device that generates relocation entries.
Example 2-1. Code That Generates Relocation Entries
1 ** Generating Relocation Entries **

2
3 .ref X
4 .def Y
5
6 000000 .text
7 000000 5A0B ADD.W R10, R11
8 000002 4B82 MOV.W R11, &X
000004 0000!
9 000006 4030 BR #Y
000008 000A!
10
11 00000a 5B0C Y ADD.W R11, R12
In Example 2-1, both symbols X and Y are relocatable. Y is defined in the .text section of this module; X is
defined in another module. When the code is assembled, X has a value of 0 (the assembler assumes all
undefined external symbols have values of 0), and Y has a value of 8 (relative to address 0 in the .text
section). The assembler generates two relocation entries: one for X and one for Y. The reference to X is
an external reference and the reference to Y is an internally defined relocatable symbol (both are indicated
by the ! character in the listing).
After the code is linked, suppose that X is relocated to address 0x0800. Suppose also that the .text
section is relocated to begin at address 0x0600; Y now has a relocated value of 0x0608. The linker uses
the relocation entry for the reference to X to patch the branch instruction in the object code:
4B820000! becomes 4B820800
Each section in an object module has a table of relocation entries. The table contains one relocation entry
for each relocatable reference in the section. The linker usually removes relocation entries after it uses
them. This prevents the output file from being relocated again (if it is relinked or when it is loaded). A file
that contains no relocation entries is an absolute file (all its addresses are absolute addresses). If you
want the linker to retain relocation entries, invoke the linker with the --relocatable option (see
Section 7.4.2.2).

Run-Time Relocation www.ti.com
2.4.2 Relocation Issues

The linker may warn you about certain relocation issues.
In an assembly program, if an instruction with a PC-relative field contains a reference to a symbol, label,
or address, the relative displacement is expected to fit in the instruction's field. If the displacement does
not fit into the field (because the referenced item's location is too far away), the linker issues an error. For
example, the linker will issue an error message when an instruction with an 8-bit, unsigned, PC-relative
field references a symbol located 256 or more bytes away from the instruction.
Similarly, if an instruction with an absolute address field contains a reference to a symbol, label, or
address, the referenced item is expected to be located at an address that will fit in the instruction's field.
For example, if a function is linked at 0x10000, its address cannot be encoded into a 16-bit instruction
field.
In both cases, the linker truncates the high bits of the value.
To deal with these issues, examine your link map and linker command file. You may be able to rearrange
output sections to put referenced symbols closer to the referencing instruction.
Alternatively, consider using a different assembly instruction with a wider field. Or, if you only need the
lower bits of a symbol, use a mask expression to zero out the upper bits.
2.5 Run-Time Relocation

At times you may want to load code into one area of memory and run it in another. For example, you may
have performance-critical code in an external-memory-based system. The code must be loaded into
external memory, but it would run faster in internal memory.
The linker provides a simple way to handle this. Using the SECTIONS directive, you can optionally direct
the linker to allocate a section twice: first to set its load address and again to set its run address. Use the
load keyword for the load address and the run keyword for the run address.
The load address determines where a loader places the raw data for the section. Any references to the
section (such as references to labels in it) refer to its run address. The application must copy the section
from its load address to its run address before the first reference of the symbol is encountered at run time;
this does not happen automatically simply because you specify a separate run address. For an example
that illustrates how to move a block of code at run time, see Example 7-9.
If you provide only one allocation (either load or run) for a section, the section is allocated only once and
loads and runs at the same address. If you provide both allocations, the section is actually allocated as if it
were two separate sections of the same size.
Uninitialized sections (such as .bss) are not loaded, so the only significant address is the run address. The
linker allocates uninitialized sections only once; if you specify both run and load addresses, the linker
warns you and ignores the load address.
For a complete description of run-time relocation, see Section 7.9.

www.ti.com Loading a Program
2.6 Loading a Program

The linker produces executable object modules. An executable object module has the same format as
object files that are used as linker input; the sections in an executable object module, however, are
combined and relocated into target memory.
To run a program, the data in the executable object module must be transferred, or loaded, into target
system memory. Several methods can be used for loading a program, depending on the execution
environment. Common situations are described below:
• Code Composer Essentials can load an executable object module onto hardware. The Code
Composer Essentials loader reads the executable file and copies the program into target memory.
• You can use the hex conversion utility (hex430, which is shipped as part of the assembly language
package) to convert the executable object module into one of several object file formats. You can then
use the converted file with an EPROM programmer to burn the program into an EPROM.
2.7 Symbols in an Object File

An object file contains a symbol table that stores information about symbols in the program. The linker
uses this table when it performs relocation.
2.7.1 External Symbols

External symbols are symbols that are defined in one file and referenced in another file. You can use the
.def, .ref, or .global directive to identify symbols as external:
.def The symbol is defined in the current file and used in another file.
.ref The symbol is referenced in the current file, but defined in another file.
.global The symbol can be either of the above.
The following code segment illustrates these definitions.

x: ADD.W #56, R11 ; Define x
JMP y ; Reference y
.global x ; .def of x
.global y ; .ref of y
The .global directive for x declares that it is an external symbol defined in this module and that other
modules can reference x. The .global directive for y declares that it is an undefined symbol that is defined
in another module. The assembler determines that y is defined in another module because it is not defined
in the current module.
The assembler places both x and y in the object file’s symbol table. When the file is linked with other
object files, the entry for x resolves references to x in other files. The entry for y causes the linker to look
through the symbol tables of other files for y’s definition.
The linker must match all references with corresponding definitions. If the linker cannot find a symbol's
definition, it prints an error message about the unresolved reference. This type of error prevents the linker
from creating an executable object module.
2.7.2 The Symbol Table

The assembler always generates an entry in the symbol table when it encounters an external symbol
(both definitions and references defined by one of the directives in Section 2.7.1). The assembler also
creates special symbols that point to the beginning of each section; the linker uses these symbols to
relocate references to other symbols.
The assembler does not usually create symbol table entries for any symbols other than those described
above, because the linker does not use them. For example, labels are not included in the symbol table
unless they are declared with the .global directive. For informational purposes, it is sometimes useful to
have entries in the symbol table for each symbol in a program. To accomplish this, invoke the assembler
with the --output_all_syms option (see Section 3.3).

Chapter 3
Assembler Description
The MSP430™ assembler translates assembly language source files into machine language object files.
These files are in object modules, which are discussed in Chapter 2. Source files can contain the following
assembly language elements:
Assembler directives described in Chapter 4
Macro directives described in Chapter 5
Assembly language instructions described in the MSP430x1xx Family User's Guide,
MSP430x3xx Family User's Guide, or MSP430x4xx
Family User's Guide
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
3.1 Assembler Overview.................................................................. 34

3.2 The Assembler's Role in the Software Development Flow .............. 35
3.3 Invoking the Assembler ............................................................. 36
3.4 Naming Alternate Directories for Assembler Input ........................ 37
3.5 Source Statement Format .......................................................... 39
3.6 Constants ................................................................................ 41
3.7 Character Strings ...................................................................... 43
3.8 Symbols................................................................................... 43
3.9 Expressions ............................................................................. 47
3.10 Source Listings......................................................................... 49
3.11 Debugging Assembly Source ..................................................... 51
3.12 Cross-Reference Listings ........................................................... 52
SLAU131B – March 2008 Assembler Description 33

Assembler Overview www.ti.com
3.1 Assembler Overview

The 2-pass assembler does the following:
• Processes the source statements in a text file to produce a relocatable object file
• Produces a source listing (if requested) and provides you with control over this listing
• Allows you to segment your code into sections and maintain a section program counter (SPC) for each
section of object code
• Defines and references global symbols and appends a cross-reference listing to the source listing (if
requested)
• Allows conditional assembly
• Supports macros, allowing you to define macros inline or in a library
34 Assembler Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com The Assembler's Role in the Software Development Flow
3.2 The Assembler's Role in the Software Development Flow

Figure 3-1 illustrates the assembler's role in the software development flow. The shaded portion highlights
the most common assembler development path. The assembler accepts assembly language source files
as input, both those you create and those created by the MSP430 C/C++ compiler.
Figure 3-1. The Assembler in the MSP430 Software Development Flow
C/C++
source
files
Macro
source C/C++
files compiler
C/C++ name
Assembler
Archiver demangling
source
utility
Macro
library Assembler
Object
files
Run-time-
Library of support
object library
files Linker
Executable
object file
Hex-conversion
utility

Absolute lister

Invoking the Assembler www.ti.com
3.3 Invoking the Assembler

To invoke the assembler, enter the following:
cl430 input file [options]
cl430 is the command that invokes the assembler through the compiler. The compiler considers
any file with an .asm extension to be an assembly file and calls the assembler.
input file names the assembly language source file.
options identify the assembler options that you want to use. Options are not case sensitive and can
appear anywhere on the command line following the command. Precede each option with a
hyphen.
The valid assembler options are listed in Table 3-1:
Table 3-1. MSP430 Assembler Options

Option Alias Description
--absolute_listing -aa creates an absolute listing. When you use --absolute_listing, the assembler does not
produce an object file. The --absolute_listing option is used in conjunction with the absolute
lister.
--asm_define=name[=def] -ad sets the name symbol. This is equivalent to inserting name .set [value] at the beginning of
the assembly file. If value is omitted, the symbol is set to 1. See Section 3.8.4.
--asm_dependency -apd performs preprocessing for assembly files, but instead of writing preprocessed output,
writes a list of dependency lines suitable for input to a standard make utility. The list is
written to a file with the same name as the source file but with a .ppa extension.
--asm_includes -api performs preprocessing for assembly files, but instead of writing preprocessed output,
writes a list of files included with the .include directive. The list is written to a file with the
same name as the source file but with a .ppa extension.
--asm_listing -al produces a listing file with the same name as the input file with a .lst extension.
--asm_undefine= name -au undefines the predefined constant name, which overrides any --asm_define options for the
specified constant.
--cmd_file= filename -@ appends the contents of a file to the command line. You can use this option to avoid
limitations on command line length imposed by the host operating system. Use an asterisk
or a semicolon (* or ;) at the beginning of a line in the command file to include comments.
Comments that begin in any other column must begin with a semicolon. Within the
command file, filenames or option parameters containing embedded spaces or hyphens
must be surrounded with quotation marks. For example: "this-file.asm"
--copy_file= filename -ahc copies the specified file for the assembly module. The file is inserted before source file
statements. The copied file appears in the assembly listing files.
--cross_reference -ax produces a cross-reference table and appends it to the end of the listing file; it also adds
cross-reference information to the object file for use by the cross-reference utility. If you do
not request a listing file but use the --cross_reference option, the assembler creates a
listing file automatically, naming it with the same name as the input file with a .lst extension.
--include_file= filename -ahi includes the specified file for the assembly module. The file is included before source file
statements. The included file does not appear in the assembly listing files.
--include_path= pathname -I specifies a directory where the assembler can find files named by the .copy, .include, or
.mlib directives. There is no limit to the number of directories you can specify in this
manner; each pathname must be preceded by the --include_path option. See Section 3.4.1.
--output_all_syms -as puts all defined symbols in the object file's symbol table. The assembler usually puts only
global symbols into the symbol table. When you use --output_all_syms, symbols defined as
labels or as assembly-time constants are also placed in the table.
--quiet -q suppresses the banner and progress information (assembler runs in quiet mode).
––silicon_version={msp|mspx} Selects the intruction set version. Using --silicon_version=mspx generates code for
MSP430x devices (20-bit code addresses). Using --silicon_version=msp generates code for
16-bit MSP430 devices.
Modules assembled/compiled for 16-bit MSP devices are not compatible with modules that
are assembled/compiled for 20-bit MSPx devices. The linker generates errors if an attempt
is made to combine incompatible object files.

www.ti.com Naming Alternate Directories for Assembler Input
Table 3-1. MSP430 Assembler Options (continued)

Option Alias Description
--symdebug:dwarf -g enables assembler source debugging in the C source debugger. Line information is output
to the object module for every line of source in the assembly language source file. You
cannot use the --symdebug:dwarf option on assembly code that contains .line directives.
See Section 3.11.
--syms_ignore_case -ac makes case insignificant in the assembly language files. For example, --syms_ignore_case
makes the symbols ABC and abc equivalent. If you do not use this option, case is
significant (default). Case significance is enforced primarily with symbol names, not with
mnemonics and register names.
3.4 Naming Alternate Directories for Assembler Input

The .copy, .include, and .mlib directives tell the assembler to use code from external files. The .copy and
.include directives tell the assembler to read source statements from another file, and the .mlib directive
names a library that contains macro functions. Chapter 4 contains examples of the .copy, .include, and
.mlib directives. The syntax for these directives is:
.copy ["]filename["]
.include ["]filename["]
.mlib ["]filename["]
The filename names a copy/include file that the assembler reads statements from or a macro library that
contains macro definitions. If filename begins with a number the double quotes are required. The filename
may be a complete pathname, a partial pathname, or a filename with no path information. The assembler
searches for the file in the following locations in the order given:
1. The directory that contains the current source file. The current source file is the file being assembled
when the .copy, .include, or .mlib directive is encountered.
2. Any directories named with the --include_path option
3. Any directories named with the MSP430_A_DIR environment variable
4. Any directories named with the MSP430_C_DIR environment variable
Because of this search hierarchy, you can augment the assembler's directory search algorithm by using
the --include_path option (described in Section 3.4.1) or the MSP430_A_DIR environment variable
(described in Section 3.4.2). MSP430_C_DIR is discussed in the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler
User's Guide.
3.4.1 Using the --include_path Assembler Option

The --include_path assembler option names an alternate directory that contains copy/include files or
macro libraries. The format of the --include_path option is as follows:
cl430 --include_path=pathname source filename [other options]
There is no limit to the number of --include_path options per invocation; each --include_path option names
one pathname. In assembly source, you can use the .copy, .include, or .mlib directive without specifying
path information. If the assembler does not find the file in the directory that contains the current source
file, it searches the paths designated by the --include_path options.
For example, assume that a file called source.asm is in the current directory; source.asm contains the
following directive statement:
.copy "copy.asm"
Assume the following paths for the copy.asm file:

Naming Alternate Directories for Assembler Input www.ti.com
UNIX: /tools/files/copy.asm
Windows: c:\tools\files\copy.asm
You could set up the search path with the commands shown below:
Operating System Enter

UNIX (Bourne shell) cl430 --include_path=/tools/files source.asm
Windows cl430 --include_path=c:\tools\files source.asm
The assembler first searches for copy.asm in the current directory because source.asm is in the current
directory. Then the assembler searches in the directory named with the --include_path option.
3.4.2 Using the MSP430_A_DIR Environment Variable

An environment variable is a system symbol that you define and assign a string to. The assembler uses
the MSP430_A_DIR environment variable to name alternate directories that contain copy/include files or
macro libraries.
The assembler looks for the MSP430_A_DIR environment variable and then reads and processes it. If the
assembler does not find the MSP430_A_DIR variable, it then searches for MSP430_C_DIR. The
processor-specific variables are useful when you are using Texas Instruments tools for different
processors at the same time.
See the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide for details on MSP430_C_DIR.
The command syntax for assigning the environment variable is as follows:
UNIX (Bourne Shell) MSP430_A_DIR="pathname1;pathname2; . . . "; export
MSP430_A_DIR
Windows set MSP430_A_DIR=pathname1;pathname2; . . .
The pathnames are directories that contain copy/include files or macro libraries. The pathnames must
follow these constraints:
• Pathnames must be separated with a semicolon.
• Spaces or tabs at the beginning or end of a path are ignored. For example the space before and after
the semicolon in the following is ignored:
set MSP430_A_DIR= c:\path\one\to\tools ; c:\path\two\to\tools
• Spaces and tabs are allowed within paths to accommodate Windows directories that contain spaces.
For example, the pathnames in the following are valid:
set MSP430_A_DIR=c:\first path\to\tools;d:\second path\to\tools
In assembly source, you can use the .copy, .include, or .mlib directive without specifying path information.
If the assembler does not find the file in the directory that contains the current source file or in directories
named by the --include_path option, it searches the paths named by the environment variable.
For example, assume that a file called source.asm contains these statements:
.copy "copy1.asm"
.copy "copy2.asm"
Assume the following paths for the files:
UNIX: /tools/files/copy1.asm and /dsys/copy2.asm

Windows: c:\tools\files\copy1.asm and c:\dsys\copy2.asm

www.ti.com Source Statement Format
You could set up the search path with the commands shown below:

UNIX (Bourne shell) MSP430_A_DIR="/dsys"; export MSP430_A_DIR
cl430 --include_path=/tools/files source.asm
Windows set MSP430_A_DIR=c:\dsys
cl430 --include_path=c:\tools\files source.asm
The assembler first searches for copy1.asm and copy2.asm in the current directory because source.asm
is in the current directory. Then the assembler searches in the directory named with the --include_path
option and finds copy1.asm. Finally, the assembler searches the directory named with MSP430_A_DIR
and finds copy2.asm.
The environment variable remains set until you reboot the system or reset the variable by entering one of
these commands:

UNIX (Bourne shell) set MSP430_A_DIR=
Windows unset MSP430_A_DIR
3.5 Source Statement Format

MSP430 assembly language source programs consist of source statements that can contain assembler
directives, assembly language instructions, macro directives, and comments. A source statement can
contain four ordered fields (label, mnemonic, operand list, and comment). The general syntax for source
statements is as follows:
[label[:]]mnemonic [operand list][;comment]
Following are examples of source statements:

SYM1 .set 2 ; Symbol SYM1 = 2.
Begin: MOV.W #SYM1, R11 ; Load R11 with 2.
.word 016h ; Initialize word (016h).
The MSP430 assembler reads up to 200 characters per line. Any characters beyond 200 are truncated.
Keep the operational part of your source statements (that is, everything other than comments) less than
200 characters in length for correct assembly. Your comments can extend beyond the 200-character limit,
but the truncated portion is not included in the listing file.
Follow these guidelines:
• All statements must begin with a label, a blank, an asterisk, or a semicolon.
• Labels are optional; if used, they must begin in column 1.
• One or more blanks must separate each field. Tab and space characters are blanks. You must
separate the operand list from the preceding field with a blank.
• Comments are optional. Comments that begin in column 1 can begin with an asterisk or a semicolon (*
or ;), but comments that begin in any other column must begin with a semicolon.
• A mnemonic cannot begin in column 1 or it will be interpreted as a label.
The following sections describe each of the fields.

Source Statement Format www.ti.com
3.5.1 Label Field

Labels are optional for all assembly language instructions and for most (but not all) assembler directives.
When used, a label must begin in column 1 of a source statement. A label can contain up to 128
alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, _, and $). Labels are case sensitive (except when the
--syms_ignore_case option is used), and the first character cannot be a number. A label can be followed
by a colon (:). The colon is not treated as part of the label name. If you do not use a label, the first
character position must contain a blank, a semicolon, or an asterisk. You cannot use a label with an
instruction that is in parallel with a previous instruction.
When you use a label, its value is the current value of the SPC. The label points to the statement it is
associated with. For example, if you use the .word directive to initialize several words, a label points to the
first word. In the following example, the label Start has the value 40h.
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
9 0000 ; Assume some code was assembled
10 0040 000A Start: .word 0Ah,3,7
0044 0003
0048 0007
A label on a line by itself is a valid statement. The label assigns the current value of the section program
counter to the label; this is equivalent to the following directive statement:
label .equ $ ; $ provides the current value of the SPC
When a label appears on a line by itself, it points to the instruction on the next line (the SPC is not
incremented):
3 0050 Here:
4 0050 0003 .word 3
If you do not use a label, the character in column 1 must be a blank, an asterisk, or a semicolon.
3.5.2 Mnemonic Field

The mnemonic field follows the label field. The mnemonic field cannot start in column 1; if it does, it is
interpreted as a label. There is one exception: the parallel bars (||) of the mnemonic field can start in
column 1. The mnemonic field can begin with one of the following items:
• Machine-instruction mnemonic (such as ADD, MOV, JMP)
• Assembler directive (such as .data, .list, .equ)
• Macro directive (such as .macro, .var, .mexit)
• Macro call
3.5.3 Operand Field

The operand field follows the mnemonic field and contains one or more operands. The operand field is not
required for all instructions or directives. An operand consists of the following items:
• Symbols (see Section 3.8)
• Constants (see Section 3.6)
• Expressions (combination of constants and symbols; see Section 3.9)
You must separate operands with commas.
You use immediate values as operands primarily with instructions. In some cases, you can use immediate
values with the operands of directives. For instance, you can use immediate values with the .byte directive
to load values into the current section. It is not usually necessary to use the # prefix for directives.
Compare the following statements:
ADD.W #10, R11
.byte 10

www.ti.com Constants
In the first statement, the # prefix is necessary to tell the assembler to add the value 10 to R1. In the
second statement, however, the # prefix is not used; the assembler expects the operand to be a value and
initializes a byte with the value 10.
See the MSP430x1xx Family User’s Guide, the MSP430x3xx Family User’s Guide, and the MSP430x4xx
Family User’s Guide for more information on the the syntax and usage of instructions. See Chapter 4 for
more information on the syntax and usage of directives.
3.5.4 Comment Field

A comment can begin in any column and extends to the end of the source line. A comment can contain
any ASCII character, including blanks. Comments are printed in the assembly source listing, but they do
not affect the assembly.
A source statement that contains only a comment is valid. If it begins in column 1, it can start with a
semicolon ( ; ) or an asterisk ( *). Comments that begin anywhere else on the line must begin with a
semicolon. The asterisk identifies a comment only if it appears in column 1.
3.6 Constants
The assembler supports several types of constants:
• Binary integer
• Octal integer
• Decimal integer
• Hexadecimal integer
• Character
• Assembly time
The assembler maintains each constant internally as a 32-bit quantity. Constants are not sign extended.
For example, the constant 00FFh is equal to 00FF (base 16) or 255 (base 10); it does not equal -1.
However, when used with the .byte directive, -1 is equivalent to 00FFh.
3.6.1 Binary Integers

A binary integer constant is a string of up to 32 binary digits (0s and 1s) followed by the suffix B (or b). If
fewer than 32 digits are specified, the assembler right justifies the value and fills the unspecified bits with
zeros. These are examples of valid binary constants:
00000000B Constant equal to 010 or 016
0100000b Constant equal to 3210 or 2016
01b Constant equal to 110 or 116
11111000B Constant equal to 24810 or 0F816
3.6.2 Octal Integers

An octal integer constant is a string of up to 11 octal digits (0 through 7) followed by the suffix Q (or q).
These are examples of valid octal constants:
10Q Constant equal to 810 or 816
010 Constant equal to 810 or 816 format)
100000Q Constant equal to 32 76810 or 800016
226q Constant equal to 15010 or 9616

Constants www.ti.com
3.6.3 Decimal Integers

A decimal integer constant is a string of decimal digits ranging from -2147 483 648 to 4 294 967 295.
These are examples of valid decimal constants:
1000 Constant equal to 100010 or 3E816
-32768 Constant equal to -32 76810 or 800016
25 Constant equal to 2510 or 1916
3.6.4 Hexadecimal Integers

A hexadecimal integer constant is a string of up to eight hexadecimal digits followed by the suffix H (or h)
or preceded by 0x. Hexadecimal digits include the decimal values 0-9 and the letters A-F or a-f. A
hexadecimal constant must begin with a decimal value (0-9). If fewer than eight hexadecimal digits are
specified, the assembler right justifies the bits. These are examples of valid hexadecimal constants:
78h Constant equal to 12010 or 007816
0x78 Constant equal to 12010 or 007816 format)
0Fh Constant equal to 1510 or 000F16
37ACh Constant equal to 14 25210 or 37AC16
3.6.5 Character Constants

A character constant is a single character enclosed in single quotes. The characters are represented
internally as 8-bit ASCII characters. Two consecutive single quotes are required to represent each single
quote that is part of a character constant. A character constant consisting only of two single quotes is valid
and is assigned the value 0. These are examples of valid character constants:
'a' Defines the character constant a and is represented internally as 6116
'C' Defines the character constant C and is represented internally as 4316
'''' Defines the character constant ' and is represented internally as 2716
'' Defines a null character and is represented internally as 0016
Notice the difference between character constants and character strings (Section 3.7 discusses
character strings). A character constant represents a single integer value; a string is a sequence of
characters.
3.6.6 Assembly-Time Constants

If you use the .set directive to assign a value to a symbol (see Define Assembly-Time Constant ), the
symbol becomes a constant. To use this constant in expressions, the value that is assigned to it must be
absolute. For example:
shift3 .set 3
MOV #shift3, R11
You can also use the .set directive to assign symbolic constants for register names. In this case, the
symbol becomes a synonym for the register:
OP1 .set R11
MOV OP1, 2(SP)

www.ti.com Character Strings
3.7 Character Strings

A character string is a string of characters enclosed in double quotes. Double quotes that are part of
character strings are represented by two consecutive double quotes. The maximum length of a string
varies and is defined for each directive that requires a character string. Characters are represented
internally as 8-bit ASCII characters.
These are examples of valid character strings:
"sample program" defines the 14-character string sample program.

"PLAN ""C""" defines the 8-character string PLAN "C".
Character strings are used for the following:

• Filenames, as in .copy "filename"
• Section names, as in .sect "section name"
• Data initialization directives, as in .byte "charstring"
• Operands of .string directives
3.8 Symbols
Symbols are used as labels, constants, and substitution symbols. A symbol name is a string of up to 200
alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, $, and _). The first character in a symbol cannot be a number, and
symbols cannot contain embedded blanks. The symbols you define are case sensitive; for example, the
assembler recognizes ABC, Abc, and abc as three unique symbols. You can override case sensitivity with
the --syms_ignore_case assembler option (see Section 3.3). A symbol is valid only during the assembly in
which it is defined, unless you use the .global directive or the .def directive to declare it as an external
symbol (see Identify Global Symbols ).
3.8.1 Labels
Symbols used as labels become symbolic addresses that are associated with locations in the program.
Labels used locally within a file must be unique. Mnemonic opcodes and assembler directive names
without the . prefix are valid label names.
Labels can also be used as the operands of .global, .ref, .def, or .bss directives; for example:
.global func
MOV #CON1, R11

MOV R11, 0(SP)
CALL #func
3.8.2 Local Labels

Local labels are special labels whose scope and effect are temporary. A local label can be defined in two
ways:
• $n, where n is a decimal digit in the range 0-9. For example, $4 and $1 are valid local labels. See
Example 3-1.
• name?, where name is any legal symbol name as described above. The assembler replaces the
question mark with a period followed by a unique number. When the source code is expanded, you will
not see the unique number in the listing file. Your label appears with the question mark as it did in the
source definition. You cannot declare this label as global.
Normal labels must be unique (they can be declared only once), and they can be used as constants in the
operand field. Local labels, however, can be undefined and defined again. Local labels cannot be defined
by directives.

Symbols www.ti.com
A local label can be undefined or reset in one of these ways:

• By using the .newblock directive
• By changing sections (using a .sect, .text, or .data directive)
• By entering an include file (specified by the .include or .copy directive)
• By leaving an include file (specified by the .include or .copy directive)
Example 3-1. Local Labels of the Form $n
This is an example of code that declares and uses a local label legally:
.global ADDRA, ADDRB, ADDRC
Label1: MOV #ADDRA, R11 ; Load Address A to R11.
SUB #ADDRB, R11 ; Subtract Address B.
JL $1 ; If < 0, branch to $1
MOV #ADDRB, R11 ; otherwise, load ADDRB to R11
JMP $2 ; and branch to $2.
$1 MOV #ADDRA, R11 ; $1: load ADDRA to AC0.
$2 ADD #ADDRC, R11 ; $2: add ADDRC.
.newblock ; Undefine $1 so it can be used again.
JMP $1 ; If less than zero, branch to $1.
MOV R11, &ADDRC ; Store AC0 low in ADDRC.
$1 NOP
The following code uses a local label illegally:

.global ADDRA, ADDRB, ADDRC
Label1: MOV #ADDRA, R11 ; Load Address A to R11.
SUB #ADDRB, R11 ; Subtract Address B.
JL $1 ; If < 0, branch to $1
MOV #ADDRB, R11 ; otherwise, load ADDRB to R11
JMP $2 ; and branch to $2.
$1 MOV #ADDRA, R11 ; $1: load ADDRA to AC0.
$2 ADD #ADDRC, R11 ; $2: add ADDRC.
JMP $1 ; If less than zero, branch to $1.
MOV R11, &ADDRC ; Store AC0 low in ADDRC.
$1 NOP
The $1 label is not undefined before being reused by the second branch instruction. Therefore, $1 is
redefined, which is illegal.
Local labels are especially useful in macros. If a macro contains a normal label and is called more than
once, the assembler issues a multiple-definition error. If you use a local label and .newblock within a
macro, however, the local label is used and reset each time the macro is expanded.
Up to ten local labels of the $n form can be in effect at one time. Local labels of the form name? are not
limited. After you undefine a local label, you can define it and use it again. Local labels do not appear in
the object code symbol table.
Because local labels are intended to be used only locally, branches to local labels are not expanded in
case the branch's offset is out of range.

www.ti.com Symbols
3.8.3 Symbolic Constants

Symbols can be set to constant values. By using constants, you can equate meaningful names with
constant values. The .set and .struct/.tag/.endstruct directives enable you to set constants to symbolic
names. Symbolic constants cannot be redefined. The following example shows how these directives can
be used:
K .set 1024 ; constant definitions
maxbuf .set 2*K
item .struct ; item structure definition

value .int ; constant offsets value = 0
delta .int ; constant offsets value = 1
i_len .endstruct
array .tag item ; array declaration

.bss array, i_len*K
The assembler also has several predefined symbolic constants; these are discussed in Section 3.8.5.
3.8.4 Defining Symbolic Constants (--asm_define Option)

The --asm_define option equates a constant value or a string with a symbol. The symbol can then be used
in place of a value in assembly source. The format of the --asm_define option is as follows:
cl430 --asm_define= name[=value]
The name is the name of the symbol you want to define. The value is the constant or string value you
want to assign to the symbol. If the value is omitted, the symbol is set to 1.
Once you have defined the name with the --asm_define option, the symbol can be used in place of a
constant value, a well-defined expression, or an otherwise undefined symbol used with assembly
directives and instructions. For example, on the command line you enter:
cl430 --asm_define=SYM1=1 --asm_define=SYM2=2 --asm_define=SYM3=3 --asm_define=SYM4=4 value.asm
Since you have assigned values to SYM1, SYM2, SYM3, and SYM4, you can use them in source code.
Example 3-2 shows how the value.asm file uses these symbols without defining them explicitly.
Within assembler source, you can test the symbol defined with the --asm_define option with the following
directives:
Type of Test Directive Usage
Existence .if $isdefed(" name ")
Nonexistence .if $isdefed(" name ") = 0
Equal to value .if name = value
Not equal to value .if name != value
The argument to the $isdefed built-in function must be enclosed in quotes. The quotes cause the
argument to be interpreted literally rather than as a substitution symbol.

Symbols www.ti.com
Example 3-2. Using Symbolic Constants Defined on Command Line
If_4: .if SYM4 = SYM2 * SYM2

.byte SYM4 ; Equal values
.else
.byte SYM2 * SYM2 ; Unequal values
.endif
IF_5: .if SYM1 <= 10

.byte 10 ; Less than / equal
.else
.byte SYM1 ; Greater than
.endif
IF_6: .if SYM3 * SYM2 != SYM4 + SYM2

.byte SYM3 * SYM2 ; Unequal value
.else
.byte SYM4 + SYM4 ; Equal values
.endif
IF_7: .if SYM1 = SYM2

.byte SYM1
.elseif SYM2 + SYM3 = 5
.byte SYM2 + SYM3
.endif
3.8.5 Predefined Symbolic Constants

The assembler has several predefined symbols, including the following types:
• $, the dollar-sign character, represents the current value of the section program counter (SPC). $ is a
relocatable symbol.
• Register symbols (the name of MSP430 registers) include R0-R15 and their aliases. The MSP430
register aliases are defined as follows:
Register Name Alias
R0 PC
R1 SP
R2 SR
Register symbols and aliases can be entered as all uppercase or all lowercase characters; that is, R1
could also be entered as r1, SP, or sp.
• Processor symbols, as follow:
– The .MSP430 symbol is always set to 1. The processor symbol can be entered as all uppercase or
all lowercase characters; that is, .MSP430 could also be entered as .msp430.
– The .MSP4619 symbol is set to 1 when the --silicon_version=mspx option is specified. The
processor symbol can be entered as all uppercase or all lowercase characters; that is, .MSP4619
could also be entered as .msp4619.
– The __LARGE_CODE_MODEL symbol is set to 1 when the --version=mspx option is specified.
– The __LARGE_DATA_MODEL symbol is set to 1 when the --version=mspx and
--large_memory_model options are used.

www.ti.com Expressions
3.8.6 Substitution Symbols
Symbols can be assigned a string value (variable). This enables you to alias character strings by equating
them to symbolic names. Symbols that represent character strings are called substitution symbols. When
the assembler encounters a substitution symbol, its string value is substituted for the symbol name. Unlike
symbolic constants, substitution symbols can be redefined.
A string can be assigned to a substitution symbol anywhere within a program; for example:
.asg "SP", stack-pointer
; Assigns the string SP to the substitution symbol
; stack-pointer.
.asg "#0x20", block2
; Assigns the string #0x20 to the substitution
; symbol block2.
ADD block2, stack-pointer,
; Adds the value in SP to #0x20 and stores the
; result in SP.
When you are using macros, substitution symbols are important because macro parameters are actually
substitution symbols that are assigned a macro argument. The following code shows how substitution
symbols are used in macros:
myadd .macro src, dest
; addl macro definition
ADD src, dest
; Add the value in register dest to the value in
; register src.
.endm
*myadd invocation
myadd R4, R5
; Calls the macro addl and substitutes R4 for src
; and R5 for dest. The macro adds the value of R4
; and the value of R5.
See Chapter 5 for more information about macros.
3.9 Expressions
An expression is a constant, a symbol, or a series of constants and symbols separated by arithmetic
operators. The 32-bit ranges of valid expression values are -2147 483 648 to 2147 483 647 for signed
values, and 0 to 4 294 967 295 for unsigned values. Three main factors influence the order of expression
evaluation:
Parentheses Expressions enclosed in parentheses are always evaluated first.
8 / (4 / 2) = 4, but 8 / 4 / 2 = 1
You cannot substitute braces ( { } ) or brackets ( [ ] ) for parentheses.
Precedence groups Operators, listed in Table 3-2, are divided into nine precedence groups.
When parentheses do not determine the order of expression evaluation,
the highest precedence operation is evaluated first.
8 + 4 / 2 = 10 (4 / 2 is evaluated first)
Left-to-right evaluation When parentheses and precedence groups do not determine the order of
expression evaluation, the expressions are evaluated from left to right,
except for Group 1, which is evaluated from right to left.
8 / 4*2 = 4, but 8 / (4*2) = 1

Expressions www.ti.com
3.9.1 Operators
Table 3-2 lists the operators that can be used in expressions, according to precedence group.
Table 3-2. Operators Used in Expressions (Precedence)

(1)
Group Operator Description (2)
1 + Unary plus
- Unary minus
~ 1s complement
! Logical NOT
2 * Multiplication
/ Division
% Modulo
3 + Addition
- Subtraction
4 << Shift left
>> Shift right
5 < Less than
<= Less than or equal to
> Greater than
>= Greater than or equal to
6 =[=] Equal to
!= Not equal to
7 & Bitwise AND
8 ^ Bitwise exclusive OR (XOR)
9 | Bitwise OR
(1)
Group 1 operators are evaluated right to left. All other operators are evaluated left to right.
(2)
Unary + and - have higher precedence than the binary forms.
3.9.2 Expression Overflow and Underflow

The assembler checks for overflow and underflow conditions when arithmetic operations are performed at
assembly time. It issues a warning (the message Value Truncated) whenever an overflow or underflow
occurs. The assembler does not check for overflow or underflow in multiplication.
3.9.3 Well-Defined Expressions

Some assembler directives require well-defined expressions as operands. Well-defined expressions
contain only symbols or assembly-time constants that are defined before they are encountered in the
expression. The evaluation of a well-defined expression must be absolute.
This is an example of a well-defined expression:
1000h+X
where X was previously defined as an absolute symbol.

www.ti.com Source Listings
3.9.4 Conditional Expressions

The assembler supports relational operators that can be used in any expression; they are especially
useful for conditional assembly. Relational operators include the following:
= Equal to != Not equal to
< Less than <= Less than or equal to
> Greater than >= Greater than or equal to
Conditional expressions evaluate to 1 if true and 0 if false and can be used only on operands of
equivalent types; for example, absolute value compared to absolute value, but not absolute value
compared to relocatable value.
3.10 Source Listings

A source listing shows source statements and the object code they produce. To obtain a listing file, invoke
the assembler with the --asm_listing option (see Section 3.3).
Two banner lines, a blank line, and a title line are at the top of each source listing page. Any title supplied
by the .title directive is printed on the title line. A page number is printed to the right of the title. If you do
not use the .title directive, the name of the source file is printed. The assembler inserts a blank line below
the title line.
Each line in the source file produces at least one line in the listing file. This line shows a source statement
number, an SPC value, the object code assembled, and the source statement. Figure 3-2 shows these in
an actual listing file.
Field 1: Source Statement Number
Line number
The source statement number is a decimal number. The assembler numbers source lines as it
encounters them in the source file; some statements increment the line counter but are not listed. (For
example, .title statements and statements following a .nolist are not listed.) The difference between two
consecutive source line numbers indicates the number of intervening statements in the source file that
are not listed.
Include file letter
A letter preceding the line number indicates the line is assembled from the include file designated by
the letter.
Nesting level number
A number preceding the line number indicates the nesting level of macro expansions or loop blocks.
Field 2: Section Program Counter
This field contains the SPC value, which is hexadecimal. All sections (.text, .data, .bss, and named
sections) maintain separate SPCs. Some directives do not affect the SPC and leave this field blank.
Field 3: Object Code
This field contains the hexadecimal representation of the object code. All machine instructions and
directives use this field to list object code. This field also indicates the relocation type associated with
an operand for this line of source code. If more than one operand is relocatable, this column indicates
the relocation type for the first operand. The characters that can appear in this column and their
associated relocation types are listed below:
! undefined external reference

' .text relocatable
+ .sect relocatable

Source Listings www.ti.com
" .data relocatable

- .bss, .usect relocatable
% relocation expression
Field 4: Source Statement Field

This field contains the characters of the source statement as they were scanned by the assembler. The
assembler accepts a maximum line length of 200 characters. Spacing in this field is determined by the
spacing in the source statement.
Figure 3-2 shows an assembler listing with each of the four fields identified.
Figure 3-2. Example Assembler Listing

Include file Line number
letter
1 .copy ”mac1.inc”
A 1 addfive .macro dst
A 2 ADD.W #5,dst
A 3 .endm
2
3 .global var1
4
5
6 0000 430B MOV.W #0,R11
7
8 .loop 5
9 addfive R11
10 .endloop
1 0002 addfive R11
2 0002 503B ADD.W #5,R11
0004 0005
1 0006 addfive R11
2 0006 503B ADD.W #5,R11
0008 0005
1 000a addfive R11
2 000a 503B ADD.W #5,R11
000c 0005
1 000e addfive R11
2 000e 503B ADD.W #5,R11
0010 0005
1 0012 addfive R11
2 0012 503B ADD.W #5,R11
0014 0005
11
12 0016 4B82 MOV.W R11,&var1
0018 0000!
Field 1 Field 2 Field 2 Field 4

www.ti.com Debugging Assembly Source
3.11 Debugging Assembly Source
When you invoke cl430 with --symdebug:dwarf (or -g) when compiling an assembly file, the assembler
provides symbolic debugging information that allows you to step through your assembly code in a
debugger rather than using the Disassembly window in Code Composer Studio. This enables you to view
source comments and other source-code annotations while debugging.
The .asmfunc and .endasmfunc (see Mark Function Boundaries ) directives enable you to use C
characteristics in assembly code that makes the process of debugging an assembly file more closely
resemble debugging a C/C++ source file.
The .asmfunc and .endasmfunc directives allow you to name certain areas of your code, and make these
areas appear in the debugger as C functions. Contiguous sections of assembly code that are not enclosed
by the .asmfunc and .endasmfunc directives are automatically placed in assembler-defined functions
named with this syntax:
$ filename : starting source line : ending source line $
If you want to view your variables as a user-defined type in C code, the types must be declared and the
variables must be defined in a C file. This C file can then be referenced in assembly code using the .ref
directive (see Identify Global Symbols ).
Example 3-3. Viewing Assembly Variables as C Types C Program
typedef struct
{
int m1;
int m2;
} X;
X svar = { 1, 2 };
Example 3-4. Assembly Program for Example 3-3
.ref svar
.global addfiv
addfive: .asmfunc
MOV #5,R12
ADD R12,&svar
ADD R12,&svar + 2
RET
.endasmfunc
Example 3-3 shows the cvar.c C program that defines a variable, svar, as the structure type X. The svar
variable is then referenced in the addfive.asm assembly program in Example 3-4 and 5 is added to svar's
second data member.
Compile both source files with the --symdebug:dwarf option (-g) and link them as follows:
cl430 -symdebug:dwarf cvars.c addfive.asm --run_linker --library=lnk.cmd --library=rts430.lib
--output_file=addfive.out
When you load this program into a symbolic debugger, addfive appears as a C function. You can monitor
the values in svar while stepping through main just as you would any regular C variable.

Cross-Reference Listings www.ti.com
3.12 Cross-Reference Listings

A cross-reference listing shows symbols and their definitions. To obtain a cross-reference listing, invoke
the assembler with the --cross_reference option (see Section 3.3) or use the .option directive with the X
operand (see Select Listing Options ). The assembler appends the cross-reference to the end of the
source listing. Example 3-5 shows the four fields contained in the cross-reference listing.
Example 3-5. An Assembler Cross-Reference Listing
LABEL VALUE DEFN REF
.MSP430 0001 0
.msp430 0001 0
addfive 0000' 6 3
svar REF 1 7 8
Label column contains each symbol that was defined or referenced during the assembly.
Value column contains an 8-digit hexadecimal number (which is the value assigned to the
symbol) or a name that describes the symbol's attributes. A value may also be
preceded by a character that describes the symbol's attributes. Table 3-3 lists these
characters and names.
Definition (DEFN) column contains the statement number that defines the symbol. This
column is blank for undefined symbols.
Reference (REF) column lists the line numbers of statements that reference the symbol. A
blank in this column indicates that the symbol was never used.
Table 3-3. Symbol Attributes

Character or Name Meaning
REF External reference (global symbol)
UNDF Undefined
' Symbol defined in a .text section
" Symbol defined in a .data section
+ Symbol defined in a .sect section
- Symbol defined in a .bss or .usect section

Chapter 4
Assembler Directives
Assembler directives supply data to the program and control the assembly process. Assembler directives
enable you to do the following:
• Assemble code and data into specified sections
• Reserve space in memory for uninitialized variables
• Control the appearance of listings
• Initialize memory
• Assemble conditional blocks
• Define global variables
• Specify libraries from which the assembler can obtain macros
• Examine symbolic debugging information
This chapter is divided into two parts: the first part (Section 4.1 through Section 4.10) describes the
directives according to function, and the second part (Section 4.11) is an alphabetical reference.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
4.1 Directives Summary ................................................................. 54

4.2 Directives That Define Sections .................................................. 57
4.3 Directives That Initialize Constants ............................................. 59
4.4 Directives That Perform Alignment and Reserve Space ................. 61
4.5 Directives That Format the Output Listings .................................. 62
4.6 Directives That Reference Other Files ......................................... 63
4.7 Directives That Enable Conditional Assembly .............................. 63
4.8 Directives That Define Structures................................................ 64
4.9 Directives That Define Symbols at Assembly Time........................ 64
4.10 Miscellaneous Directives ........................................................... 65
4.11 Directives Reference ................................................................. 66
SLAU131B – March 2008 Assembler Directives 53

Directives Summary www.ti.com
4.1 Directives Summary
Table 4-1 through Table 4-9 summarize the assembler directives.

Besides the assembler directives documented here, the MSP430™ software tools support the following
directives:
• The assembler uses several directives for macros. Macro directives are discussed in Chapter 5; they
are not discussed in this chapter.
• The C compiler uses directives for symbolic debugging. Unlike other directives, symbolic debugging
directives are not used in most assembly language programs. Appendix A discusses these directives;
they are not discussed in this chapter.
Labels and Comments Are Not Shown in Syntaxes

Note: Any source statement that contains a directive can also contain a label and a comment.
Labels begin in the first column (only labels and comments can appear in the first column),
and comments must be preceded by a semicolon, or an asterisk if the comment is the only
element in the line. To improve readability, labels and comments are not shown as part of
the directive syntax.
Table 4-1. Directives That Define Sections

Mnemonic and Syntax Description See
.bss symbol, size in bytes[, alignment] Reserves size bytes in the .bss (uninitialized data) section .bss topic
.data Assembles into the .data (initialized data) section .data topic
.sect " section name" Assembles into a named (initialized) section .sect topic
.text Assembles into the .text (executable code) section .text topic
symbol .usect "section name", size in bytes Reserves size bytes in a named (uninitialized) section .usect topic
[, alignment]
Table 4-2. Directives That Initialize Constants (Data and Memory)

.byte value1[, ..., valuen] Initializes one or more successive bytes in the current section .byte topic
.char value1[, ..., valuen] Initializes one or more successive bytes in the current section .char topic
.double value1[, ..., valuen] Initializes one or more 32-bit, IEEE double-precision, .double topic
floating-point constants
.field value[, size] Initializes a field of size bits (1-32) with value .field topic
.float value1[, ..., valuen] Initializes one or more 32-bit, IEEE single-precision, .float topic
floating-point constants
.half value1[, ... , valuen] Initializes one or more 16-bit integers (halfword) .half topic
.int value1[, ... , valuen] Initializes one or more 16-bit integers .int topic
.long value1[, ... , valuen] Initializes one or more 32-bit integers .long topic
.short value1[, ... , valuen] Initializes one or more 16-bit integers (halfword) .short topic
.string {expr1|"string1"}[,... , {exprn|"stringn"}] Initializes one or more text strings .string topic
.word value1[, ... , valuen] Initializes one or more 16-bit integers .word topic
54 Assembler Directives SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Directives Summary
Table 4-3. Directives That Perform Alignment and Reserve Space

.align [size in bytes] Aligns the SPC on a boundary specified by size in bytes, which .align topic
must be a power of 2; defaults to word (2 byte) boundary
.bes size Reserves size bytes in the current section; a label points to the .bes topic
end of the reserved space
.space size Reserves size bytes in the current section; a label points to the .space topic
beginning of the reserved space
Table 4-4. Directives That Format the Output Listing

.drlist Enables listing of all directive lines (default) .drlist topic
.drnolist Suppresses listing of certain directive lines .drnolist topic
.fclist Allows false conditional code block listing (default) .fclist topic
.fcnolist Suppresses false conditional code block listing .fcnolist topic
.length [page length] Sets the page length of the source listing .length topic
.list Restarts the source listing .list topic
.mlist Allows macro listings and loop blocks (default) .mlist topic
.mnolist Suppresses macro listings and loop blocks .mnolist topic
.nolist Stops the source listing .nolist topic
.option option1[, option2, . . .] Selects output listing options; available options are A, B, H, M, .option topic
N, O, R, T, W, and X
.page Ejects a page in the source listing .page topic
.sslist Allows expanded substitution symbol listing .sslist topic
.ssnolist Suppresses expanded substitution symbol listing (default) .ssnolist topic
.tab size Sets tab to size characters .tab topic
.title " string " Prints a title in the listing page heading .title topic
.width [page width] Sets the page width of the source listing .width topic
Table 4-5. Directives That Reference Other Files

.copy ["]filename["] Includes source statements from another file .copy topic
.def symbol1[, ... , symboln] Identifies one or more symbols that are defined in the current .def topic
module and that can be used in other modules
.global symbol1[, ... , symboln] Identifies one or more global (external) symbols .global topic
.include ["]filename["] Includes source statements from another file .include topic
.mlib ["]filename["] Defines macro library .mlib topic
.ref symbol1[, ... , symboln] Identifies one or more symbols used in the current module that .ref topic
are defined in another module

Directives Summary www.ti.com
Table 4-6. Directives That Enable Conditional Assembly

.break [well-defined expression] Ends .loop assembly if well-defined expression is true. When .break topic
using the .loop construct, the .break construct is optional.
.else Assembles code block if the .if well-defined expression is false. .else topic
When using the .if construct, the .else construct is optional.
.elseif well-defined expression Assembles code block if the .if well-defined expression is false .elseif topic
and the .elseif condition is true. When using the .if construct,
the .elseif construct is optional.
.endif Ends .if code block .endif topic
.endloop Ends .loop code block .endloop topic
.if well-defined expression Assembles code block if the well-defined expression is true .if topic
.loop [well-defined expression] Begins repeatable assembly of a code block; the loop count is .loop topic
determined by the well-defined expression.
Table 4-7. Directives That Define Structures

.endstruct Ends a structure definition .struct
.struct Begins structure definition .struct topic
.tag Assigns structure attributes to a label .struct
Table 4-8. Directives That Define Symbols at Assembly Time

.asg ["]character string["], substitution symbol Assigns a character string to substitution symbol .asg topic
symbol .equ value Equates value with symbol .equ topic
.eval well-defined expression, Performs arithmetic on a numeric substitution symbol .eval topic
substitution symbol
.label symbol Defines a load-time relocatable label in a section .label topic
symbol .set value Equates value with symbol .set topic
.var Adds a local substitution symbol to a macro's parameter list .var topic
Table 4-9. Directives That Perform Miscellaneous Functions

.asmfunc Identifies the beginning of a block of code that contains a .asmfunc topic
function
.cdecls [options,] "filename"[, "filename2"[, ...] Share C headers between C and assembly code .cdecls topic
.clink ["section name"] Enables conditional linking for the current or specified section .clink topic
.emsg string Sends user-defined error messages to the output device; .emsg topic
produces no .obj file
.end Ends program .end topic
.endasmfunc Identifies the end of a block of code that contains a function .endasmfunc
topic
.mmsg string Sends user-defined messages to the output device .mmsg topic
.newblock Undefines local labels .newblock topic
.wmsg string Sends user-defined warning messages to the output device .wmsg topic

www.ti.com Directives That Define Sections
4.2 Directives That Define Sections

These directives associate portions of an assembly language program with the appropriate sections:
• The .bss directive reserves space in the .bss section for uninitialized variables.
• The .data directive identifies portions of code in the .data section. The .data section usually contains
initialized data.
• The .sect directive defines an initialized named section and associates subsequent code or data with
that section. A section defined with .sect can contain code or data.
• The .text directive identifies portions of code in the .text section. The .text section usually contains
executable code.
• The .usect directive reserves space in an uninitialized named section. The .usect directive is similar to
the .bss directive, but it allows you to reserve space separately from the .bss section.
Chapter 2 discusses these sections in detail.
Example 4-1 shows how you can use sections directives to associate code and data with the proper
sections. This is an output listing; column 1 shows line numbers, and column 2 shows the SPC values.
(Each section has its own program counter, or SPC.) When code is first placed in a section, its SPC
equals 0. When you resume assembling into a section after other code is assembled, the section's SPC
resumes counting as if there had been no intervening code.
The directives in Example 4-1 perform the following tasks:

.text initializes words with the values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
.data initializes words with the values 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
var_defs initializes words with the values 17 and 18.
.bss reserves 19 bytes.
xy reserves 20 bytes.
The .bss and .usect directives do not end the current section or begin new sections; they reserve the
specified amount of space, and then the assembler resumes assembling code or data into the current
section.

Directives That Define Sections www.ti.com
Example 4-1. Sections Directives
1 ; Comment1 here : Start assembling ....

2
3 0000 .text
4 0000 0001 .word 1,2
0002 0002
5 0004 0003 .word 3,4
0006 0004
6
7 ; Comment 2
8
9 0000 .data
10 0000 0009 .word 9,10
0002 000A
11 0004 000B .word 11,12
0006 000C
12
13 ; Comment 3
14
15 0000 .sect "var_defs"
16 0000 0011 .word 17,18
0002 0012
17
18 ; Comment 4
19
20 0008 .data
21 0008 000D .word 13,14
000a 000E
22
23 0000 .bss sym,19
24 000c 000F .word 15,16
000e 0010
25
26 ; Comment 5
27
28 0008 .text
29 0008 0005 .word 5,6
000a 0006
30 0000 usym .usect "xy",20
31 000c 0007 .word 7,8
000e 0008

www.ti.com Directives That Initialize Constants
4.3 Directives That Initialize Constants

Several directives assemble values for the current section:
• The .byte and .char directives place one or more 8-bit values into consecutive bytes of the current
section. These directives are similar to .long and .word, except that the width of each value is restricted
to eight bits.
• The double and .float directives calculate the single-precision (32-bit) IEEE floating-point
representation of a single floating-point value and store it in a word in the current section that is aligned
to a word boundary.
• The .field directive places a single value into a specified number of bits in the current word. With .field,
you can pack multiple fields into a single word; the assembler does not increment the SPC until a word
is filled.
Figure 4-1 shows how fields are packed into a word. Using the following assembled code, notice that
the SPC does not change for the first three fields (the fields are packed into the same word).
1 0000 0003 .field 3,3
2 0000 0043 .field 8,6
3 0000 2043 .field 16,5
4 0002 1234 .field 0x1234,16
Figure 4-1. The .field Directive

15 2 1 0
0 1 1 .field 3, 3
3 bits
15 8 7 6 5 4 3
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .field 8, 6
6 bits
15 13 12 11 10 9
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .field 16, 5
5 bits
15 14 13 12 11 10 9
0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 .field 16, 5
16 bits
• The .int and .word directives place one or more 16-bit values into consecutive words in the current
section.
• The .string directive places 8-bit characters from one or more character strings into the current
section. This directive is similar to .byte, placing an 8-bit character in each consecutive byte of the
current section.
• The .long directive places one or more 32-bit values into consecutive words in the current section.
Directives That Initialize Constants When Used in a .struct/.endstruct Sequence

Note: The .byte, .char, .word, .int, .long, .string, .double, .float, .half, .short, and .field directives do
not initialize memory when they are part of a .struct/ .endstruct sequence; rather, they define
a member’s size. For more information, see the .struct/.endstruct directives .

Directives That Initialize Constants www.ti.com
Figure 4-2 compares the .byte, .char, .int, .long, .float, .word, and .string directives, using the following
assembled code:
1 0000 00AA .byte 0AAh,0BBh
0001 00BB
2 0002 00CC .char 0xCC
3 0004 DDDD .word 0xDDDD
4 0006 FFFF .long 0xEEEEFFFF
0008 EEEE
5 000a DDDD .int 0xDDDD
6 000c FCB9 .float 1.9999
000e 3FFF
7 0010 0048 .string "Hello"
0011 0065
0012 006C
0013 0070
Figure 4-2. Initialization Directives

Byte Code
7 0
0 A A .byte OAAh
7 0
1 B B .byte OBBh
7 0
2 C C .char OCCh
15 0
4 D D D D .word DDDDh
15 0
6 F F F F .long EEEEFFFFh
15 0
8 E E E E
15 0
a D D D D .int 0DDDDh
31 0
c F C B D .float 1.9999
31 0
e 3 F F F
7 0
10 4 8 .string “Help”
H
11 6 5
e
12 6 C
l
13 7 0
p

www.ti.com Directives That Perform Alignment and Reserve Space
4.4 Directives That Perform Alignment and Reserve Space

These directives align the section program counter (SPC) or reserve space in a section:
• The .align directive at a 1-byte to 32K-byte boundary. This ensures that the code following the
directive begins on the byte value that you specify. If the SPC is already aligned at the selected
boundary, it is not incremented. Operands for the .align directive must equal a power of 2 between 20
and 215, inclusive. The .align directive with no operands defaults to 2, that is, to a word boundary.
Figure 4-3 demonstrates the .align directive. Using the following assembled code:
1 0000 0002 .field 2,3
2 0000 005A .field 11,5
3 .align 2
4 0002 0045 .string "Err"
0003 0072
0004 0072
5 .align
6 0006 0004 .byte 4
Figure 4-3. The .align Directive
New SPC = 04h

02h after assembling
2 bytes .align 2 directive
Current
SPC = 03h 04h
• The .bes and .space directives reserve a specified number of bytes in the current section. The
assembler fills these reserved bytes with 0s.
– When you use a label with .space, it points to the first byte that contains reserved bits.
– When you use a label with .bes, it points to the last byte that contains reserved bits.
Figure 4-4 shows how the .space and .bes directives work for the following assembled code:
1 0000 0100 .word 0x100,0x200
0002 0200
2 0004 Res_1 .space 17
3 0016 000F .word 15
4 002b Res_2 .bes 20
5 002c 00BA .byte 0xBA
Res_1 points to the first byte in the space reserved by .space. Res_2 points to the last byte in the
space reserved by .bes.
Figure 4-4. The .space and .bes Directives
Res_1 = 04h
17 bytes
reserved
20 bytes
reserved
Res_2 = 2Bh

Directives That Format the Output Listings www.ti.com
4.5 Directives That Format the Output Listings

These directives format the listing file:
• The .drlist directive causes printing of the directive lines to the listing; the .drnolist directive turns it off
for certain directives. You can use the .drnolist directive to suppress the printing of the following
directives. You can use the .drlist directive to turn the listing on again.
.asg .eval .length .mnolist .var
.break .fclist .mlist .sslist .width
.emsg .fcnolist .mmsg .ssnolist .wmsg
• The source code listing includes false conditional blocks that do not generate code. The .fclist and
.fcnolist directives turn this listing on and off. You can use the .fclist directive to list false conditional
blocks exactly as they appear in the source code. You can use the .fcnolist directive to list only the
conditional blocks that are actually assembled.
• The .length directive controls the page length of the listing file. You can use this directive to adjust
listings for various output devices.
• The .list and .nolist directives turn the output listing on and off. You can use the .nolist directive to
prevent the assembler from printing selected source statements in the listing file. Use the .list directive
to turn the listing on again.
• The source code listing includes macro expansions and loop blocks. The .mlist and .mnolist directives
turn this listing on and off. You can use the .mlist directive to print all macro expansions and loop
blocks to the listing, and the .mnolist directive to suppress this listing.
• The .option directive controls certain features in the listing file. This directive has the following
operands:
A turns on listing of all directives and data, and subsequent expansions, macros, and blocks.
B limits the listing of .byte and .char directives to one line.
H limits the listing of .half and .short directives to one line.
M turns off macro expansions in the listing.
N turns off listing (performs .nolist).
O turns on listing (performs .list).
R resets the B, H, M, T, and W directives (turns off the limits of B, H, M, T, and W).
T limits the listing of .string directives to one line.
W limits the listing of .word and .int directives to one line.
X produces a cross-reference listing of symbols. You can also obtain a cross-reference listing
by invoking the assembler with the --cross_reference option (see Section 3.3).
• The .page directive causes a page eject in the output listing.

• The source code listing includes substitution symbol expansions. The .sslist and .ssnolist directives
turn this listing on and off. You can use the .sslist directive to print all substitution symbol expansions
to the listing, and the .ssnolist directive to suppress this listing. These directives are useful for
debugging the expansion of substitution symbols.
• The .tab directive defines tab size.
• The .title directive supplies a title that the assembler prints at the top of each page.
• The .width directive controls the page width of the listing file. You can use this directive to adjust
listings for various output devices.

www.ti.com Directives That Reference Other Files
4.6 Directives That Reference Other Files

These directives supply information for or about other files that can be used in the assembly of the current
file:
• The .copy and .include directives tell the assembler to begin reading source statements from another
file. When the assembler finishes reading the source statements in the copy/include file, it resumes
reading source statements from the current file. The statements read from a copied file are printed in
the listing file; the statements read from an included file are not printed in the listing file.
• The .def directive identifies a symbol that is defined in the current module and that can be used in
another module. The assembler includes the symbol in the symbol table.
• The .global directive declares a symbol external so that it is available to other modules at link time.
(For more information about global symbols, see Section 2.7.1). The .global directive does double duty,
acting as a .def for defined symbols and as a .ref for undefined symbols. The linker resolves an
undefined global symbol reference only if the symbol is used in the program. The .global directive
declares a 16-bit symbol.
• The .mlib directive supplies the assembler with the name of an archive library that contains macro
definitions. When the assembler encounters a macro that is not defined in the current module, it
searches for it in the macro library specified with .mlib.
• The .ref directive identifies a symbol that is used in the current module but is defined in another
module. The assembler marks the symbol as an undefined external symbol and enters it in the object
symbol table so the linker can resolve its definition. The .ref directive forces the linker to resolve a
symbol reference.
4.7 Directives That Enable Conditional Assembly

Conditional assembly directives enable you to instruct the assembler to assemble certain sections of code
according to a true or false evaluation of an expression. Two sets of directives allow you to assemble
conditional blocks of code:
• The .if/.elseif/.else/.endif directives tell the assembler to conditionally assemble a block of code
according to the evaluation of an expression.
.if well-defined expression marks the beginning of a conditional block and assembles code
if the .if well-defined expression is true.
[.elseif well-defined expression] marks a block of code to be assembled if the .if well-defined
expression is false and the .elseif condition is true.
.else marks a block of code to be assembled if the .if well-defined
expression is false and any .elseif conditions are false.
.endif marks the end of a conditional block and terminates the block.
• The .loop/.break/.endloop directives tell the assembler to repeatedly assemble a block of code
according to the evaluation of an expression.
.loop [well-defined expression] marks the beginning of a repeatable block of code. The optional
expression evaluates to the loop count.
.break [well-defined expression] tells the assembler to assemble repeatedly when the .break
well-defined expression is false and to go to the code
immediately after .endloop when the expression is true or
omitted.
.endloop marks the end of a repeatable block.
The assembler supports several relational operators that are useful for conditional expressions. For more
information about relational operators, see Section 3.9.4.

Directives That Define Structures www.ti.com
4.8 Directives That Define Structures

The .struct/.endstruct directives set up C-like structure definitions. The .union/.endunion directives set
up C-like union definitions. The .tag directive assigns the C-like structure or union characteristics to a
label.
The .struct/.endstruct directives allow you to organize your information into structures so that similar
elements can be grouped together. Similarly, the .union/.endunion directives allow you to organize your
information into unions. Element offset calculation is left up to the assembler. These directives do not
allocate memory. They simply create a symbolic template that can be used repeatedly.
The .tag directive assigns a label to a structure or union. This simplifies the symbolic representation and
also provides the ability to define structures that contain other structures. The .tag directive does not
allocate memory, and the structure tag (stag) must be defined before it is used.
type .struct ; structure tag definition
X .int
Y .int
T_LEN .endstruct
COORD .tag type ; declare COORD (coordinate)
COORD .space T_LEN ; actual memory allocation

LDR R0, COORD.Y ; load member Y of structure
; COORD into register R0.
4.9 Directives That Define Symbols at Assembly Time

Assembly-time symbol directives equate meaningful symbol names to constant values or strings.
• The .asg directive assigns a character string to a substitution symbol. The value is stored in the
substitution symbol table. When the assembler encounters a substitution symbol, it replaces the
symbol with its character string value. Substitution symbols can be redefined.
.asg "10, 20, 30, 40", coefficients
; Assign string to substitution symbol.
.byte coefficients
; Place the symbol values 10, 20, 30, and 40
; into consecutive bytes in current section.
• The .eval directive evaluates a well-defined expression, translates the results into a character string,
and assigns the character string to a substitution symbol. This directive is most useful for manipulating
counters:
.asg 1 , x ; x = 1
.loop ; Begin conditional loop.
.byte x*10h ; Store value into current section.
.break x = 4 ; Break loop if x = 4.
.eval x+1, x ; Increment x by 1.
.endloop ; End conditional loop.
• The .label directive defines a special symbol that refers to the load-time address within the current
section. This is useful when a section loads at one address but runs at a different address. For
example, you may want to load a block of performance-critical code into slower off-chip memory to
save space and move the code to high-speed on-chip memory to run. See the .label topic for an
example using a load-time address label.
• The .set and .equ directives set a constant value to a symbol. The symbol is stored in the symbol table
and cannot be redefined; for example:
bval .set 0100h ; Set bval = 0100h
.long bval, bval*2, bval+12
; Store the values 0100h, 0200h, and 010Ch
; into consecutive words in current section.
The .set and .equ directives produce no object code. The two directives are identical and can be used
interchangeably.
• The .var directive allows you to use substitution symbols as local variables within a macro.

www.ti.com Miscellaneous Directives
4.10 Miscellaneous Directives

These directives enable miscellaneous functions or features:
• The .asmfunc and .endasmfunc directives mark function boundaries. These directives are used with
the compiler --symdebug:dwarf (-g) option to generate debug information for assembly functions.
• The .cdecls directive enables programmers in mixed assembly and C/C++ environments to share C
headers containing declarations and prototypes between C and assembly code.
• The .clink directive enables conditional linking by telling the linker to leave the named section out of
the final object module output of the linker if there are no references found to any symbol in the
section. The .clink directive can be applied to initialized or uninitialized sections.
• The .end directive terminates assembly. If you use the .end directive, it should be the last source
statement of a program. This directive has the same effect as an end-of-file character.
• The .newblock directive resets local labels. Local labels are symbols of the form $n, where n is a
decimal digit. They are defined when they appear in the label field. Local labels are temporary labels
that can be used as operands for jump instructions. The .newblock directive limits the scope of local
labels by resetting them after they are used. See Section 3.8.2 for information on local labels.
These three directives enable you to define your own error and warning messages:
• The .emsg directive sends error messages to the standard output device. The .emsg directive
generates errors in the same manner as the assembler, incrementing the error count and preventing
the assembler from producing an object file.
• The .mmsg directive sends assembly-time messages to the standard output device. The .mmsg
directive functions in the same manner as the .emsg and .wmsg directives but does not set the error
count or the warning count. It does not affect the creation of the object file.
• The .wmsg directive sends warning messages to the standard output device. The .wmsg directive
functions in the same manner as the .emsg directive but increments the warning count rather than the
error count. It does not affect the creation of the object file.

Directives Reference www.ti.com
4.11 Directives Reference

The remainder of this chapter is a reference. Generally, the directives are organized alphabetically, one
directive per topic. Related directives (such as .if/.else/.endif), however, are presented together in one
topic.
.align Align SPC on the Next Boundary
Syntax .align [size in bytes]

Description The .align directive aligns the section program counter (SPC) on the next boundary,
depending on the size in bytes parameter. The size may be any power of 2 between 20
and 215, inclusive. An operand of 2 aligns the SPC on the next word boundary, and this
is the default if no size is given. For example:
2 aligns SPC to word boundary
4 aligns SPC to 2 word boundary
128 aligns SPC to 128-byte boundary
Using the .align directive has two effects:

• The assembler aligns the SPC on a byte value that you specify within the current
section.
• The assembler sets a flag that forces the linker to align the section so that individual
alignments remain intact when a section is loaded into memory.
Example This example shows several types of alignment, including .align 4, .align 8, and a default
.align.
1 0000 0004 .byte 4
2 .align 2
3 0002 0045 .string "Errorcnt"
0003 0072
0004 0072
0005 006F
0006 0072
0007 0063
0008 006E
0009 0074
4 .align
5 000a 0003 .field 3,3
6 000a 002B .field 5,4
7 .align 2
8 000c 0003 .field 3,3
9 .align 8
10 0010 0005 .field 5,4
11 .align
12 0012 0004 .byte 4

www.ti.com .asg/.eval — Assign a Substitution Symbol
.asg/.eval Assign a Substitution Symbol
Syntax .asg ["]character string["], substitution symbol

.eval well-defined expression, substitution symbol
Description The .asg directive assigns character strings to substitution symbols. Substitution
symbols are stored in the substitution symbol table. The .asg directive can be used in
many of the same ways as the .set directive, but while .set assigns a constant value
(which cannot be redefined) to a symbol, .asg assigns a character string (which can be
redefined) to a substitution symbol.
• The assembler assigns the character string to the substitution symbol. The quotation
marks are optional. If there are no quotation marks, the assembler reads characters
up to the first comma and removes leading and trailing blanks. In either case, a
character string is read and assigned to the substitution symbol.
• The substitution symbol must be a valid symbol name. The substitution symbol is up
to 128 characters long and must begin with a letter. Remaining characters of the
symbol can be a combination of alphanumeric characters, the underscore (_), and
the dollar sign ($).
The .eval directive performs arithmetic on substitution symbols, which are stored in the
substitution symbol table. This directive evaluates the well-defined expression and
assigns the string value of the result to the substitution symbol. The .eval directive is
especially useful as a counter in .loop/.endloop blocks.
• The well-defined expression is an alphanumeric expression in which all symbols have
been previously defined in the current source module, so that the result is an
absolute.
• The substitution symbol must be a valid symbol name. The substitution symbol is up
to 128 characters long and must begin with a letter. Remaining characters of the
symbol can be a combination of alphanumeric characters, the underscore (_), and
the dollar sign ($).
Example This example shows how .asg and .eval can be used.
1 .sslist ; show expanded sub. symbols
2 ; using .asg and .eval
3
4 .asg R12, LOCALSTACK
5 .asg &, AND
6
7 0000 503C ADD #280 AND 255, LOCALSTACK
# ADD #280 & 255, R12
0002 0018
8
9 .asg 0,x
10 .loop 5
11 .eval x+1, x
12 .word x
13 .endloop
1 .eval x+1, x
# .eval 0+1, x
1 0004 0001 .word x
# .word 1
1 .eval x+1, x
# .eval 1+1, x
1 0006 0002 .word x
# .word 2
1 .eval x+1, x
# .eval 2+1, x
1 0008 0003 .word x
# .word 3
1 .eval x+1, x
# .eval 3+1, x
1 000a 0004 .word x
# .word 4
1 .eval x+1, x
# .eval 4+1, x

.asmfunc/.endasmfunc — Mark Function Boundaries www.ti.com
1 000c 0005 .word x
# .word 5
.asmfunc/.endasmfunc Mark Function Boundaries
Syntax symbol .asmfunc

.endasmfunc
Description The .asmfunc and .endasmfunc directives mark function boundaries. These directives
are used with the compiler -g option (--symdebug:dwarf) to allow assembly code
sections to be debugged in the same manner as C/C++ functions.
You should not use the same directives generated by the compiler (see Appendix A) to
accomplish assembly debugging; those directives should be used only by the compiler to
generate symbolic debugging information for C/C++ source files.
The .asmfunc and .endasmfunc directives cannot be used when invoking the compiler
with the backwards-compatibility --symdebug:coff option. This option instructs the
compiler to use the obsolete COFF symbolic debugging format, which does not support
these directives.
The symbol is a label that must appear in the label field.
Consecutive ranges of assembly code that are not enclosed within a pair of .asmfunc
and .endasmfunc directives are given a default name in the following format:
$ filename : beginning source line : ending source line $

www.ti.com .bss — Reserve Space in the .bss Section
.bss Reserve Space in the .bss Section
Syntax .bss symbol, size in bytes[, alignment]

Description The .bss directive reserves space for variables in the .bss section. This directive is
usually used to allocate space in RAM.
• The symbol is a required parameter. It defines a label that points to the first location
reserved by the directive. The symbol name must correspond to the variable that you
are reserving space for.
• The size in bytes is a required parameter; it must be an absolute expression. The
assembler allocates size bytes in the .bss section. There is no default size.
• The alignment is an optional parameter that ensures that the space allocated to the
symbol occurs on the specified boundary. The boundary indicates the size of the
alignment in bytes and must be set to a power of 2 between 20 and 215, inclusive. If
the SPC is aligned at the specified boundary, it is not incremented.
For more information about sections, see Chapter 2.
Example In this example, the .bss directive allocates space for two variables, TEMP and ARRAY.
The symbol TEMP points to four bytes of uninitialized space (at .bss SPC = 0). The
symbol ARRAY points to 100 bytes of uninitialized space (at .bss SPC = 04h). Symbols
declared with the .bss directive can be referenced in the same manner as other symbols
and can also be declared external.
1 ***********************************************
2 ** Start assembling into the .text section. **
3 ***********************************************
4 0000 .text
5 0000 430A MOV #0, R10
6
7 ***********************************************
8 ** Allocate 4 bytes in .bss for TEMP. **
9 ***********************************************
10 0000 Var_1: .bss TEMP, 4
11
12 ***********************************************
13 ** Still in .text. **
14 ***********************************************
15 0002 503B ADD #56h, R11
0004 0056
16 0006 5C0B ADD R12, R11
17
18 ***********************************************
19 ** Allocate 100 bytes in .bss for the symbol **
20 ** named ARRAY. **
21 ***********************************************
22 0004 .bss ARRAY, 100, 4
23
24 ***********************************************
25 ** Assemble more code into .text. **
26 ***********************************************
27 0008 4130 RET
28
29 ***********************************************
30 ** Declare external .bss symbols. **
31 ***********************************************
32 .global ARRAY, TEMP
33 .end

.byte/.char — Initialize Byte www.ti.com
.byte/.char Initialize Byte
Syntax .byte value1[, ... , valuen]

.char value1[, ... , valuen]
Description The .byte and .char directives place one or more values into consecutive bytes of the
current section. A value can be one of the following:
• An expression that the assembler evaluates and treats as an 8-bit signed number
• A character string enclosed in double quotes. Each character in a string represents a
separate value, and values are stored in consecutive bytes. The entire string must be
enclosed in quotes.
The assembler truncates values greater than eight bits. You can use up to 100 value
parameters, but the total line length cannot exceed 200 characters.
If you use a label, it points to the location where the assembler places the first byte.
When you use .byte or .char in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, .byte and .char define a
member's size; they do not initialize memory. For more information, see the
.struct/.endstruct/.tag topic .
Example In this example, 8-bit values (10, -1, abc, and a) are placed into consecutive bytes in
memory with .byte. Also, 8-bit values (8, -3, def, and b) are placed into consecutive
bytes in memory with .char. The label STRX has the value 0h, which is the location of
the first initialized byte. The label STRY has the value 6h, which is the first byte
initialized by the .char directive.
1 0000 .space 100h
2 0100 000A STRX .byte 10, -1, "abc", 'a'
0101 00FF
0102 0061
0103 0062
0104 0063
0105 0061
3 0106 0008 .char 8, -3, "def", 'b'
0107 00FD
0108 0064
0109 0065
010a 0066
010b 0062

www.ti.com .cdecls — Share C Headers Between C and Assembly Code
.cdecls Share C Headers Between C and Assembly Code
Syntax Single Line:

.cdecls [options,] "filename"[, "filename2"[,...]]
Syntax Multiple Lines:
.cdecls [options]
%{
/*---------------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
/* C/C++ code - Typically a list of #includes and a few defines */
/*---------------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
%}
Description The .cdecls directive allows programmers in mixed assembly and C/C++ environments
to share C headers containing declarations and prototypes between the C and assembly
code. Any legal C/C++ can be used in a .cdecls block and the C/C++ declarations cause
suitable assembly to be generated automatically, allowing you to reference the C/C++
constructs in assembly code; such as calling functions, allocating space, and accessing
structure members; using the equivalent assembly mechanisms. While function and
variable definitions are ignored, most common C/C++ elements are converted to
assembly, for instance: enumerations, (non-function-like) macros, function and variable
prototypes, structures, and unions.
The .cdecls options control whether the code is treated as C or C++ code; and how the
.cdecls block and converted code are presented. Options must be separated by
commas; they can appear in any order:
C Treat the code in the .cdecls block as C source code (default).
CPP Treat the code in the .cdecls block as C++ source code. This is the
opposite of the C option.
NOLIST Do not include the converted assembly code in any listing file generated
for the containing assembly file (default).
LIST Include the converted assembly code in any listing file generated for the
containing assembly file. This is the opposite of the NOLIST option.
NOWARN Do not emit warnings on STDERR about C/C++ constructs that cannot be
converted while parsing the .cdecls source block (default).
WARN Generate warnings on STDERR about C/C++ constructs that cannot be
converted while parsing the .cdecls source block. This is the opposite of
the NOWARN option.
In the single-line format, the options are followed by one or more filenames to include.
The filenames and options are separated by commas. Each file listed acts as if #include
"filename" was specified in the multiple-line format.
In the multiple-line format, the line following .cdecls must contain the opening .cdecls
block indicator %{. Everything after the %{, up to the closing block indicator %}, is
treated as C/C++ source and processed. Ordinary assembler processing then resumes
on the line following the closing %}.
The text within %{ and %} is passed to the C/C++ compiler to be converted into
assembly language. Much of C language syntax, including function and variable
definitions as well as function-like macros, is not supported and is ignored during the
conversion. However, all of what traditionally appears in C header files is supported,
including function and variable prototypes; structure and union declarations;
non-function-like macros; enumerations; and #define's.

.cdecls — Share C Headers Between C and Assembly Code www.ti.com
The resulting assembly language is included in the assembly file at the point of the
.cdecls directive. If the LIST option is used, the converted assembly statements are
printed in the listing file.
The assembly resulting from the .cdecls directive is treated similarly to a .include file.
Therefore the .cdecls directive can be nested within a file being copied or included. The
assembler limits nesting to ten levels; the host operating system may set additional
restrictions. The assembler precedes the line numbers of copied files with a letter code
to identify the level of copying. An A indicates the first copied file, B indicates a second
copied file, etc.
The .cdecls directive can appear anywhere in an assembly source file, and can occur
multiple times within a file. However, the C/C++ environment created by one .cdecls is
not inherited by a later .cdecls; the C/C++ environment starts new for each .cdecls.
See Chapter 12 for more information on setting up and using the .cdecls directive with C
header files.
Example In this example, the .cdecls directive is used call the C header.h file.
C header file:
#define WANT_ID 10
#define NAME "John\n"
extern int a_variable;

extern float cvt_integer(int src);
struct myCstruct { int member_a; float member_b; };
enum status_enum { OK = 1, FAILED = 256, RUNNING = 0 };
Source file:
.cdecls C,LIST,"myheader.h"
size: .int $sizeof(myCstruct)

aoffset: .int myCstruct.member_a
boffset: .int myCstruct.member_b
okvalue: .int status_enum.OK
failval: .int status_enum.FAILED
.if $$defined(WANT_ID)
id .cstring NAME
.endif
Listing File:
1 .cdecls C,LIST,"myheader.h"
A 1 ; ------------------------------------------
A 2 ; Assembly Generated from C/C++ Source Code
A 3 ; ------------------------------------------
A 4
A 5 ; =========== MACRO DEFINITIONS ===========
A 6 .define "1",WANT_ID
A 7 .define """John\n""",NAME
A 8 .define "1",_OPTIMIZE_FOR_SPACE
A 9
A 10 ; =========== TYPE DEFINITIONS ===========
A 11 status_enum .enum
A 12 0001 OK .emember 1
A 13 0100 FAILED .emember 256
A 14 0000 RUNNING .emember 0
A 15 .endenum
A 16
A 17 myCstruct .struct 0,2 ; struct size=(6 bytes|48 bits), alignment=2
A 18 0000 member_a .field 16 ; int member_a - offset 0 bytes, size (2
bytes|16 bits)
A 19 0002 member_b .field 32 ; float member_b - offset 2 bytes, size (4
bytes|32 bits)

www.ti.com .cdecls — Share C Headers Between C and Assembly Code
A 20 0006 .endstruct ; final size=(6 bytes|48 bits)
A 21
A 22 ; =========== EXTERNAL FUNCTIONS ===========
A 23 .global cvt_integer
A 24
A 25 ; =========== EXTERNAL VARIABLES ===========
A 26 .global a_variable
2
3 0000 0006 size: .int $sizeof(myCstruct)
4 0002 0000 aoffset: .int myCstruct.member_a
5 0004 0002 boffset: .int myCstruct.member_b
6 0006 0001 okvalue: .int status_enum.OK
7 0008 0100 failval: .int status_enum.FAILED
8 .if $defined(WANT_ID)
9 000a 004A id .cstring NAME
000b 006F
000c 0068
000d 006E
000e 000A
000f 0000
10 .endif

.clink — Conditionally Leave Section Out of Object Module Output www.ti.com
.clink Conditionally Leave Section Out of Object Module Output
Syntax .clink ["section name"]

Description The .clink directive enables conditional linking by telling the linker to leave a section out
of the final object module output of the linker if there are no references found to any
symbol in section name. The .clink directive can be applied to initialized or uninitialized
sections.
The section name identifies the section. If .clink is used without a section name, it
applies to the current initialized section. If .clink is applied to an uninitialized section, the
section name is required. The section name is significant to 200 characters and must be
enclosed in double quotes. A section name can contain a subsection name in the form
section name:subsection name.
The .clink directive tells the linker to leave the section out of the final object module
output of the linker if there are no references found in a linked section to any symbol
defined in the specified section. The --absolute_exe linker option produces the final
output in the form of an absolute, executable output module.
A section in which the entry point of a C program is defined cannot be marked as a
conditionally linked section.
Example In this example, the Vars and Counts sections are set for conditional linking.
1 *************************************************
2 ** Set Vars section for conditional linking. **
3 *************************************************
4 0000 .sect "Vars"
5 .clink
6 0000 00AA X: .word 0AAh
7 0002 00AA Y: .word 0AAh
8 0004 00AA Z: .word 0AAh
9 *************************************************
10 ** Set Counts section for conditional linking. **
11 *************************************************
12 0000 .sect "Counts"
13 .clink
14 0000 00AA XCount: .word 0AAh
15 0002 00AA YCount: .word 0AAh
16 0004 00AA ZCount: .word 0AAh
17 *************************************************
18 ** .text is unconditionally linked by default. **
19 *************************************************
20 0000 .text
21 0000 403B MOV #X_addr, R11
0002 0008!
22 0004 4B2B MOV @R11, R11
23 0006 5B0C ADD R11, R12
24
25 0008 0000! X_addr: .field X, 32
000a 0000
26 *************************************************
27 ** The reference to symbol X causes the Vars **
28 ** section to be linked into the COFF output. **
29 *************************************************

www.ti.com .copy/.include — Copy Source File
.copy/.include Copy Source File
Syntax .copy ["]filename["]

.include ["]filename["]
Description The .copy and .include directives tell the assembler to read source statements from a
different file. The statements that are assembled from a copy file are printed in the
assembly listing. The statements that are assembled from an included file are not printed
in the assembly listing, regardless of the number of .list/.nolist directives assembled.
When a .copy or .include directive is assembled, the assembler:
1. Stops assembling statements in the current source file
2. Assembles the statements in the copied/included file
3. Resumes assembling statements in the main source file, starting with the statement
that follows the .copy or .include directive
The filename is a required parameter that names a source file. It can be enclosed in
double quotes and must follow operating system conventions. If filename starts with a
number the double quotes are required.
You can specify a full pathname (for example, /320tools/file1.asm). If you do not specify
a full pathname, the assembler searches for the file in:
1. The directory that contains the current source file
2. Any directories named with the --include_path assembler option
3. Any directories specified by the MSP430_A_DIR environment variable
4. Any directories specified by the MSP430_C_DIR environment variable
For more information about the --include_path option and MSP430_A_DIR, see
Section 3.4. For more information about MSP430_C_DIR, see the MSP430 Optimizing
C/C++ Compiler User's Guide.
The .copy and .include directives can be nested within a file being copied or included.
The assembler limits nesting to 32 levels; the host operating system may set additional
restrictions. The assembler precedes the line numbers of copied files with a letter code
to identify the level of copying. A indicates the first copied file, B indicates a second
copied file, etc.
Example 1 In this example, the .copy directive is used to read and assemble source statements
from other files; then, the assembler resumes assembling into the current file.
The original file, copy.asm, contains a .copy statement copying the file byte.asm. When
copy.asm assembles, the assembler copies byte.asm into its place in the listing (note
listing below). The copy file byte.asm contains a .copy statement for a second file,
word.asm.
When it encounters the .copy statement for word.asm, the assembler switches to
word.asm to continue copying and assembling. Then the assembler returns to its place
in byte.asm to continue copying and assembling. After completing assembly of byte.asm,
the assembler returns to copy.asm to assemble its remaining statement.
copy.asm byte.asm word.asm

(source file) (first copy file) (second copy file)
.space 29 ** In byte.asm ** In word.asm
.copy "byte.asm" .byte 32,1+ 'A' .word 0ABCDh, 56q
** Back in original file .copy "word.asm"
.string "done" ** Back in byte.asm
.byte 67h + 3q

.copy/.include — Copy Source File www.ti.com
Listing file:
1 0000 .space 29
2 .copy "byte.asm"
A 1 ** In byte.asm
A 2 001d 0020 .byte 32,1+ 'A'
001e 0042
A 3 .copy "word.asm"
B 1 ** In word.asm
B 2 0020 ABCD .word 0ABCDh, 56q
0022 002E
A 4 ** Back in byte.asm
A 5 0024 006A .byte 67h + 3q
3
4 ** Back in original file
5 0025 0064 .string "done"
0026 006F
0027 006E
0028 0065
Example 2 In this example, the .include directive is used to read and assemble source statements
from other files; then, the assembler resumes assembling into the current file. The
mechanism is similar to the .copy directive, except that statements are not printed in the
listing file.
include.asm byte2.asm word2.asm
(source file) (first copy file) (second copy file)
.space 29 ** In byte2.asm ** In word2.asm
.include "byte2.asm" .byte 32,1+ 'A' .word 0ABCDh, 56q
** Back in original file .include "word2.asm"
.string "done" ** Back in byte2.asm
.byte 67h + 3q
Listing file:
1 0000 .space 29
2 .include "byte2.asm"
3
4 **Back in original file
5 0025 0064 .string "done"
0026 006F
0027 006E
0028 0065

www.ti.com .data — Assemble Into the .data Section
.data Assemble Into the .data Section
Syntax .data
Description The .data directive tells the assembler to begin assembling source code into the .data
section; .data becomes the current section. The .data section is normally used to contain
tables of data or preinitialized variables.
Example In this example, code is assembled into the .data and .text sections.
1 ; Comments here
2 0000 .data
3 0000 .space 0xCC
4
5
6 ; Comments here
7 0000 .text
8 0000 INDEX .set 0
9 0000 430B MOV #INDEX,R11
10
11
12
13 ; Comments here
14 00cc Table: .data
15 00cc FFFF .word -1
16 00ce 00FF .byte 0xFF
17
18
19
20 ; Comments here
21 0002 .text
22 0002 00CC! con .field Table,16
23 0004 421B MOV &con,R11
0006 0002!
24 0008 5B1C ADD 0(R11),R12
000a 0000
25
26 00cf .data

.double/.float — Initialize Single-Precision Floating-Point Value www.ti.com
.double/.float Initialize Single-Precision Floating-Point Value
Syntax .double value1 [, ... , valuen]

.float value [, ...,valuen]
Description The .double and .float directives place the IEEE single-precision floating-point
representation of one or more floating-point values into the current section. Each value
must be a floating-point constant or a symbol that has been equated to a floating-point
constant. Each constant is converted to a floating-point value in IEEE single-precision
32-bit format. Floating point constants are aligned on word boundaries.
The 32-bit value is stored exponent byte first, most significant byte of fraction second,
and least significant byte of fraction third, in the format shown in Figure 4-5.
Figure 4-5. Single-Precision Floating-Point Format
S E E E E E E E E MMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMM
31 23 0
value = (-1)S x (1.0 + mantissa) x (2)exponent-127
Legend: S = sign (1 bit)

E = exponent (8-bit biased)
M = mantissa (23-bit fraction)
When you use .double or .float in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, they define a member's
size; they do not initialize memory. For more information, see the .struct/.endstruct/.tag
topic .
Example Following are examples of the .float and .double directives:
1 0000 5951 .double -2.0e25
0002 E984
2 0004 5951 .float -1.0e25
0006 E904
3 0008 0000 .double 6
000a 40C0
4 000c 0000 .float 3
000e 4040

www.ti.com .drlist/.drnolist — Control Listing of Directives
.drlist/.drnolist Control Listing of Directives
Syntax .drlist
.drnolist
Description Two directives enable you to control the printing of assembler directives to the listing file:
The .drlist directive enables the printing of all directives to the listing file.
The .drnolist directive suppresses the printing of the following directives to the listing
file. The .drnolist directive has no affect within macros.
• .asg • .fcnolist • .ssnolist

• .break • .mlist • .var
• .emsg • .mmsg • .wmsg
• .eval • .mnolist
• .fclist • .sslist
By default, the assembler acts as if the .drlist directive had been specified.
Example This example shows how .drnolist inhibits the listing of the specified directives.
Source file:
.asg 0, x
.loop 2
.eval x+1, x
.endloop
.drnolist
.asg 1, x
.loop 3
.eval x+1, x
.endloop
Listing file:
1 .asg 0, x
2 .loop 2
3 .eval x+1, x
4 .endloop
1 .eval 0+1, x
1 .eval 1+1, x
5
6 .drnolist
7
9 .loop 3
10 .eval x+1, x
11 .endloop

.emsg/.mmsg/.wmsg — Define Messages www.ti.com
.emsg/.mmsg/.wmsg Define Messages
Syntax .emsg string

.mmsg string
.wmsg string
Description These directives allow you to define your own error and warning messages. When you
use these directives, the assembler tracks the number of errors and warnings it
encounters and prints these numbers on the last line of the listing file.
The .emsg directive sends an error message to the standard output device in the same
manner as the assembler. It increments the error count and prevents the assembler from
producing an object file.
The .mmsg directive sends an assembly-time message to the standard output device in
the same manner as the .emsg and .wmsg directives. It does not, however, set the error
or warning counts, and it does not prevent the assembler from producing an object file.
The .wmsg directive sends a warning message to the standard output device in the
same manner as the .emsg directive. It increments the warning count rather than the
error count, however. It does not prevent the assembler from producing an object file.
Example In this example, the message ERROR -- MISSING PARAMETER is sent to the standard
output device.
Source file:
MSG_EX .macro parm1
.if $$symlen(parm1) = 0
.emsg "ERROR -- MISSING PARAMETER"
.else
add parm1, r7, r8
.endif
.endm
MSG_EX R11
MSG_EX
Listing file:
1 MSG_EX .macro parm1
2 .if $symlen(parm1)=0
3 .emsg "ERROR -- MISSING PARAMETER"
4 .else
5 add parm1, r7
6 .endif
7 .endm
8
9 0000 MSG_EX R11
1 .else
1 0000 5B07 add R11, r7
1 .endif
10
11 0002 MSG_EX
"emsg.asm", ERROR! at line 11: [ ***** USER ERROR ***** - ] ERROR --
MISSING PARAMETER
1 .else
1 add parm1, r7
1 .endif
1 Assembly Error, No Assembly Warnings
In addition, the following messages are sent to standard output by the assembler:
*** ERROR! line 11: ***** USER ERROR ***** - : ERROR -- MISSING PARAMETER
.emsg "ERROR -- MISSING PARAMETER"

www.ti.com .end — End Assembly
1 Error, No Warnings
Errors in source - Assembler Aborted
.end End Assembly
Syntax .end
Description The .end directive is optional and terminates assembly. The assembler ignores any
source statements that follow a .end directive. If you use the .end directive, it must be
the last source statement of a program.
This directive has the same effect as an end-of-file character. You can use .end when
you are debugging and you want to stop assembling at a specific point in your code.
Ending a Macro
Note: Do not use the .end directive to terminate a macro; use the .endm macro
directive instead.
Example This example shows how the .end directive terminates assembly. If any source
statements follow the .end directive, the assembler ignores them.
Source file:
START: .space 300
TEMP .set 15
.bss LOC1,0x48
LOCL_n .word LOC1
MOV #TEMP,R11
MOV &LOCL_n,R12
MOV 0(R12),R13
.end
.byte 4
.word 0xCCC
Listing file:
1 0000 START: .space 300
2 000F TEMP .set 15
3 0000 .bss LOC1,0x48
4 012c 0000! LOCL_n .word LOC1
5 012e 403B MOV #TEMP,R11
0130 000F
6 0132 421C MOV &LOCL_n,R12
0134 012C!
7 0136 4C1D MOV 0(R12),R13
0138 0000
8 .end

.fclist/.fcnolist — Control Listing of False Conditional Blocks www.ti.com
.fclist/.fcnolist Control Listing of False Conditional Blocks
Syntax .fclist
.fcnolist
Description Two directives enable you to control the listing of false conditional blocks:
The .fclist directive allows the listing of false conditional blocks (conditional blocks that
do not produce code).
The .fcnolist directive suppresses the listing of false conditional blocks until a .fclist
directive is encountered. With .fcnolist, only code in conditional blocks that are actually
assembled appears in the listing. The .if, .elseif, .else, and .endif directives do not
appear.
By default, all conditional blocks are listed; the assembler acts as if the .fclist directive
had been used.
Example This example shows the assembly language and listing files for code with and without
the conditional blocks listed.
Source file:
AAA .set 1
BB .set 0
.fclist
.if AAA
ADD #1024,R11
.else
ADD #1024*10,R11
.endif
.fcnolist
.if AAA
ADD #1024,R11
.else
ADD #1024*10,R11
.endif
Listing file:
1 0001 AAA .set 1
2 0000 BB .set 0
3 .fclist
4 .if AAA
5 0000 503B ADD #1024,R11
0002 0400
6 .else
7 ADD #1024*10,R11
8 .endif
9 .fcnolist
11 0004 503B ADD #1024,R11
0006 0400

www.ti.com .field — Initialize Field
.field Initialize Field
Syntax .field value [, size in bits]

Description The .field directive initializes a multiple-bit field within a single word (16) of memory. This
directive has two operands:
• The value is a required parameter; it is an expression that is evaluated and placed in
the field. The value must be absolute.
• The size in bits is an optional parameter; it specifies a number from 1 to 32, which is
the number of bits in the field. If you do not specify a size, the assembler assumes
the size is 16. If you specify a value that cannot fit in size in bits, the assembler
truncates the value and issues a warning message. For example, .field 3,1 causes
the assembler to truncate the value 3 to 1; the assembler also prints the message:
*** WARNING! line 21: W0001: Field value truncated to 1
.field 3, 1
You can use the .align directive to force the next .field directive to begin packing into a
new word.
If you use a label, it points to the byte that contains the specified field.
When you use .field in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, .field defines a member's size; it
does not initialize memory. For more information, see the .struct/.endstruct/.tag topic .
Example This example shows how fields are packed into a word. The SPC does not change until
a word is filled and the next word is begun. Figure 4-6 shows how the directives in this
example affect memory.
1 ************************************
2 ** Initialize a 14-bit field. **
3 ************************************
4 0000 0ABC .field 0ABCh, 14
5
6 ************************************
7 ** Initialize a 5-bit field **
8 ** in the same word. **
9 ************************************
10 0002 000A L_F: .field 0Ah, 5
11
12 ************************************
13 ** Write out the word. **
14 ************************************
15 .align 4
16
17 ************************************
19 ** This fields starts a new word. **
20 ************************************
21 0004 000C x: .field 0Ch, 4
22
23 ************************************
24 ** 16-bit relocatable field **
25 ** in the next word. **
26 ************************************
27 0006 0004! .field x
28
29 ************************************
31 ************************************
32 0008 4321 .field 04321h, 16

.field — Initialize Field www.ti.com
Figure 4-6. The .field Directive

Word Code
15 13 0
0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 .field 0ABCh, 14
14-bit field
15 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 .field 00Ah, 5
1 0 1 0 1 0
5-bit field
15 0 .align 4
2 1 1 0 0 .field 0Ch, 4
4-bit field
15 0
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .field x
15 0
4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 .field 04321, 16

www.ti.com .global/.def/.ref — Identify Global Symbols
.global/.def/.ref Identify Global Symbols
Syntax .global symbol1[, ..., symboln]

.def symbol1[, ..., symboln]
.ref symbol1[, ... , symboln]
Example This example shows four files. The file1.lst and file2.lst refer to each other for all symbols
used; file3.lst and file4.lst are similarly related.
The file1.lst and file3.lst files are equivalent. Both files define the symbol INIT and
make it available to other modules; both files use the external symbols X, Y, and Z. Also,
file1.lst uses the .global directive to identify these global symbols; file3.lst uses .ref and
.def to identify the symbols.
The file2.lst and file4.lst files are equivalent. Both files define the symbols X, Y, and Z
and make them available to other modules; both files use the external symbol INIT. Also,
file2.lst uses the .global directive to identify these global symbols; file4.lst uses .ref and
.def to identify the symbols.
file1.lst
1 ; Global symbol defined in this file
2 .global INIT
3 ; Global symbols defined in file2.lst
4 .global X, Y, Z
5 0000 INIT:
6 0000 503B ADD #56h, R11
0002 0056
7 0004 0000! .word X
8 ; .
9 ; .
10 ; .
11 .end
file2.lst
1 ; Global symbols defined in this file
2 .global X, Y, Z
3 ; Global symbol defined in file1.lst
4 .global INIT
5 0001 X: .set 1
6 0002 Y: .set 2
7 0003 Z: .set 3
8 0000 0000! .word INIT
9 ; .
10 ; .
11 ; .
12 .end
file3.lst
1 ; Global symbol defined in this file
2 .def INIT
3 ; Global symbols defined in file2.lst
4 .ref X, Y, Z
5 0000 INIT:
6 0000 503B ADD #56h, R11
0002 0056
7 0004 0000! .word X
8 ; .
9 ; .
10 ; .
11 .end

.half/.short — Initialize 16-Bit Integers www.ti.com
file4.lst
1 ; Global symbols defined in this file
2 .def X, Y, Z
3 ; Global symbol defined in file3.lst
4 .ref INIT
5 0001 X: .set 1
6 0002 Y: .set 2
7 0003 Z: .set 3
8 0000 0000! .word INIT
9 ; .
10 ; .
11 ; .
12 .end
.half/.short Initialize 16-Bit Integers
Syntax .half value1[, ... , valuen]

.short value1[, ... , valuen]
Description The .half and .short directives place one or more values into consecutive halfwords in
the current section. A value can be either:
• An expression that the assembler evaluates and treats as a 16-bit signed or unsigned
number
separate value and is stored alone in the least significant eight bits of a 16-bit field,
which is padded with 0s.
The assembler truncates values greater than 16 bits. You can use up to 100 value
parameters, but the total line length cannot exceed 200 characters.
If you use a label with .half or .short, it points to the location where the assembler places
the first byte.
These directives perform a word (16-bit) alignment before data is written to the section.
When you use .half or .short in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, they define a member's
size; they do not initialize memory. For more information, see the .struct/.endstruct/.tag
topic .
Example In this example, .half is used to place 16-bit values (10, -1, abc, and a) into consecutive
words in memory; .short is used to place 16-bit values (8, -3, def, and b) into consecutive
words in memory. The label STRN has the value 100h, which is the location of the first
initialized word for .short.
1 0000 .space 100h * 16
2 1000 000A .half 10, -1, "abc", "a'
1002 FFFF
1004 0061
1006 0062
1008 0063
100a 0061
3 100c 0008 STRN .short 8, -3, "def", 'b'
100e FFFD
1010 0064
1012 0065
1014 0066
1016 0062

www.ti.com .if/.elseif/.else/.endif — Assemble Conditional Blocks
.if/.elseif/.else/.endif Assemble Conditional Blocks
Syntax .if well-defined expression

[.elseif well-defined expression]
[.else]
.endif
Description Four directives provide conditional assembly:
The .if directive marks the beginning of a conditional block. The well-defined expression
is a required parameter.
• If the expression evaluates to true (nonzero), the assembler assembles the code that
follows the expression (up to a .elseif, .else, or .endif).
• If the expression evaluates to false (0), the assembler assembles code that follows a
.elseif (if present), .else (if present), or .endif (if no .elseif or .else is present).
The .elseif directive identifies a block of code to be assembled when the .if expression is
false (0) and the .elseif expression is true (nonzero). When the .elseif expression is
false, the assembler continues to the next .elseif (if present), .else (if present), or .endif
(if no .elseif or .else is present). The .elseif directive is optional in the conditional block,
and more than one .elseif can be used. If an expression is false and there is no .elseif
statement, the assembler continues with the code that follows a .else (if present) or a
.endif.
The .else directive identifies a block of code that the assembler assembles when the .if
expression and all .elseif expressions are false (0). The .else directive is optional in the
conditional block; if an expression is false and there is no .else statement, the assembler
continues with the code that follows the .endif.
The .endif directive terminates a conditional block.
The .elseif and .else directives can be used in the same conditional assembly block, and
the .elseif directive can be used more than once within a conditional assembly block.
See Section 3.9.4 for information about relational operators.
Example This example shows conditional assembly:
1 0001 SYM1 .set 1
2 0002 SYM2 .set 2
3 0003 SYM3 .set 3
4 0004 SYM4 .set 4
5
6 If_4: .if SYM4 = SYM2 * SYM2
7 0000 0004 .byte SYM4 ; Equal values
8 .else
9 .byte SYM2 * SYM2 ; Unequal values
10 .endif
11
12 If_5: .if SYM1 <= 10
13 0001 000A .byte 10 ; Equal values
14 .else
15 .byte SYM1 ; Unequal values
16 .endif
17
18 If_6: .if SYM3 * SYM2 != SYM4 + SYM2
19 .byte SYM3 * SYM2 ; Unequal value
20 .else
21 0002 0008 .byte SYM4 + SYM4 ; Equal values
22 .endif
23
24 If_7: .if SYM1 = SYM2
25 .byte SYM1
26 .elseif SYM2 + SYM3 = 5
27 0003 0005 .byte SYM2 + SYM3
28 .endif

.int/.word — Initialize 16-Bit Integers www.ti.com
.int/.word Initialize 16-Bit Integers
Syntax .int value1[, ... , valuen]

.word value1[, ... , valuen]
Description The .int and .word directives place one or more values into consecutive words in the
current section. Each value is placed in a 16-bit word by itself and is aligned on a word
boundary. A value can be either:
number
A value can be either an absolute or a relocatable expression. If an expression is
relocatable, the assembler generates a relocation entry that refers to the appropriate
symbol; the linker can then correctly patch (relocate) the reference. This allows you to
initialize memory with pointers to variables or labels.
You can use as many values as fit on a single line (200 characters). If you use a label
with these directives, it points to the first word that is initialized.
When you use .int and .word directives in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, they define a
member's size; they do not initialize memory. See the .struct/.endstruct/.tag topic .
Example In this example, the .int and .word directives are used to initialize words. The symbol
WORDX points to the first word that is reserved by .word.
1 0000 .space 73h
2 0000 .bss PAGE, 128
3 0080 .bss SYMPTR, 4
4 0074 403B INST: MOV #056h, R11
0076 0056
5 0078 000A .int 10, SYMPTR, -1, 35 + 'a', INST, "abc"
007a 0080!
007c FFFF
007e 0084
0080 0074!
0082 0061
0084 0062
0086 0063
6 0000 0C80 WORDX: .word 3200, 1 + 'AB', -0AFh, 'X'
0002 4242
0004 FF51
0006 0058

www.ti.com .label — Create a Load-Time Address Label
.label Create a Load-Time Address Label
Syntax .label symbol

Description The .label directive defines a special symbol that refers to the load-time address rather
than the run-time address within the current section. Most sections created by the
assembler have relocatable addresses. The assembler assembles each section as if it
started at 0, and the linker relocates it to the address at which it loads and runs.
For some applications, it is desirable to have a section load at one address and run at a
different address. For example, you may want to load a block of performance-critical
code into slower memory to save space and then move the code to high-speed memory
to run it. Such a section is assigned two addresses at link time: a load address and a run
address. All labels defined in the section are relocated to refer to the run-time address
so that references to the section (such as branches) are correct when the code runs.
The .label directive creates a special label that refers to the load-time address. This
function is useful primarily to designate where the section was loaded for purposes of
the code that relocates the section.
Example This example shows the use of a load-time address label.
sect ".examp"
.label examp_load ; load address of section
start: ; run address of section
<code>
finish: ; run address of section end
.label examp_end ; load address of section end
See Section 7.9 for more information about assigning run-time and load-time addresses
in the linker.

.length/.width — Set Listing Page Size www.ti.com
.length/.width Set Listing Page Size
Syntax .length [page length]

.width [page width]
Description Two directives allow you to control the size of the output listing file.
The .length directive sets the page length of the output listing file. It affects the current
and following pages. You can reset the page length with another .length directive.
• Default length: 60 lines. If you do not use the .length directive or if you use the
.length directive without specifying the page length, the output listing length defaults
to 60 lines.
• Minimum length: 1 line
• Maximum length: 32 767 lines
The .width directive sets the page width of the output listing file. It affects the next line
assembled and the lines following. You can reset the page width with another .width
directive.
• Default width: 132 characters. If you do not use the .width directive or if you use the
.width directive without specifying a page width, the output listing width defaults to
132 characters.
• Minimum width: 80 characters
• Maximum width: 200 characters
The width refers to a full line in a listing file; the line counter value, SPC value, and
object code are counted as part of the width of a line. Comments and other portions of a
source statement that extend beyond the page width are truncated in the listing.
The assembler does not list the .width and .length directives.
Example The following example shows how to change the page length and width.
********************************************
** Page length = 65 lines **
** Page width = 85 characters **
********************************************
.length 65
.width 85
********************************************
** Page length = 55 lines **
** Page width = 100 characters **
********************************************
.length 55
.width 100

www.ti.com .list/.nolist — Start/Stop Source Listing
.list/.nolist Start/Stop Source Listing
Syntax .list
.nolist
Description Two directives enable you to control the printing of the source listing:
The .list directive allows the printing of the source listing.
The .nolist directive suppresses the source listing output until a .list directive is
encountered. The .nolist directive can be used to reduce assembly time and the source
listing size. It can be used in macro definitions to suppress the listing of the macro
expansion.
The assembler does not print the .list or .nolist directives or the source statements that
appear after a .nolist directive. However, it continues to increment the line counter. You
can nest the .list/.nolist directives; each .nolist needs a matching .list to restore the
listing.
By default, the source listing is printed to the listing file; the assembler acts as if the .list
directive had been used. However, if you do not request a listing file when you invoke
the assembler by including the --asm_listing option on the command line (see
Section 3.3), the assembler ignores the .list directive.
Example This example shows how the .copy directive inserts source statements from another file.
The first time this directive is encountered, the assembler lists the copied source lines in
the listing file. The second time this directive is encountered, the assembler does not list
the copied source lines, because a .nolist directive was assembled. Note that the .nolist,
the second .copy, and the .list directives do not appear in the listing file. Also, the line
counter is incremented, even when source statements are not listed.
Source file:
.copy "copy2.asm"
* Back in original file
NOP
.nolist
.copy "copy2.asm"
.list
* Back in original file
.string "Done"
Listing file:
1 .copy "copy2.asm"
A 1 * In copy2.asm (copy file)
A 2 0000 0020 .word 32, 1 + 'A'
0002 0042
2 * Back in original file
3 0004 4303 NOP
7 * Back in original file
8 000a 0044 .string "Done"
000b 006F
000c 006E
000d 0065

.long — Initialize 32-Bit Integer www.ti.com
.long Initialize 32-Bit Integer
Syntax .long value1[, ... , valuen]

Description The .long directive places one or more values into consecutive words in the current
section. A value can be either:
number
A value can be either an absolute or a relocatable expression. If an expression is
relocatable, the assembler generates a relocation entry that refers to the appropriate
symbol; the linker can then correctly patch (relocate) the reference. This allows you to
initialize memory with pointers to variables or labels.
The .long directive performs a word (16-bit) alignment before any data is written to the
section.
When you use .long directive in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, it defines a member's
size; it does not initialize memory. See the .struct/.endstruct/.tag topic .
Example This example shows how the .long directive initializes words.
The symbol DAT1 points to the first word that is reserved.
1 0000 ABCD DAT1: .long 0ABCDh, 'A' + 100h, 'g', 'o'
0002 0000
0004 0141
0006 0000
0008 0067
000a 0000
000c 006F
000e 0000
2 0010 0000! .long DAT1, 0AABBCCDDh
0012 0000
0014 CCDD
0016 AABB
3 0018 DAT2:

www.ti.com .loop/.endloop/.break — Assemble Code Block Repeatedly
.loop/.endloop/.break Assemble Code Block Repeatedly
Syntax .loop [well-defined expression]

.break [well-defined expression]
.endloop
Description Three directives allow you to repeatedly assemble a block of code:
The .loop directive begins a repeatable block of code. The optional expression
evaluates to the loop count (the number of loops to be performed). If there is no
well-defined expression, the loop count defaults to 1024, unless the assembler first
encounters a .break directive with an expression that is true (nonzero) or omitted.
The .break directive, along with its expression, is optional. This means that when you
use the .loop construct, you do not have to use the .break construct. The .break directive
terminates a repeatable block of code only if the well-defined expression is true
(nonzero) or omitted, and the assembler breaks the loop and assembles the code after
the .endloop directive. If the expression is false (evaluates to 0), the loop continues.
The .endloop directive terminates a repeatable block of code; it executes when the
.break directive is true (nonzero) or when the number of loops performed equals the loop
count given by .loop.
Example This example illustrates how these directives can be used with the .eval directive. The
code in the first six lines expands to the code immediately following those six lines.
1 .eval 0,x
2 COEF .loop
3 .word x*100
4 .eval x+1, x
5 .break x = 6
6 .endloop
1 0000 0000 .word 0*100
1 .eval 0+1, x
1 .break 1 = 6
1 0002 0064 .word 1*100
1 .eval 1+1, x
1 .break 2 = 6
1 0004 00C8 .word 2*100
1 .eval 2+1, x
1 .break 3 = 6
1 0006 012C .word 3*100
1 .eval 3+1, x
1 .break 4 = 6
1 0008 0190 .word 4*100
1 .eval 4+1, x
1 .break 5 = 6
1 000a 01F4 .word 5*100
1 .eval 5+1, x
1 .break 6 = 6

.macro/.endm — Define Macro www.ti.com
.macro/.endm Define Macro
Syntax macname .macro [parameter1[, ... parametern]]

model statements or macro directives
.endm
Description The .macro and .endm directives are used to define macros.
You can define a macro anywhere in your program, but you must define the macro
before you can use it. Macros can be defined at the beginning of a source file, in an
.include/.copy file, or in a macro library.
macname names the macro. You must place the name in the source
statement's label field.
.macro identifies the source statement as the first line of a macro definition.
You must place .macro in the opcode field.
[parameters] are optional substitution symbols that appear as operands for the
.macro directive.
model statements are instructions or assembler directives that are executed each time
the macro is called.
macro directives are used to control macro expansion.
.endm marks the end of the macro definition.
Macros are explained in further detail in Chapter 5.

www.ti.com .mlib — Define Macro Library
.mlib Define Macro Library
Syntax .mlib ["]filename["]

Description The .mlib directive provides the assembler with the filename of a macro library. A macro
library is a collection of files that contain macro definitions. The macro definition files are
bound into a single file (called a library or archive) by the archiver.
Each file in a macro library contains one macro definition that corresponds to the name
of the file. The filename of a macro library member must be the same as the macro
name, and its extension must be .asm. The filename must follow host operating system
conventions; it can be enclosed in double quotes. You can specify a full pathname (for
example, c:\320tools\macs.lib). If you do not specify a full pathname, the assembler
searches for the file in the following locations in the order given:
1. The directory that contains the current source file
2. Any directories named with the --include_path assembler option
3. Any directories specified by the MSP430_A_DIR environment variable
4. Any directories specified by the MSP430_C_DIR environment variable
See Section 3.4 for more information about the --include_path option.
When the assembler encounters a .mlib directive, it opens the library specified by the
filename and creates a table of the library's contents. The assembler enters the names
of the individual library members into the opcode table as library entries. This redefines
any existing opcodes or macros that have the same name. If one of these macros is
called, the assembler extracts the entry from the library and loads it into the macro table.
The assembler expands the library entry in the same way it expands other macros, but it
does not place the source code into the listing. Only macros that are actually called from
the library are extracted, and they are extracted only once.
See Chapter 5 for more information on macros and macro libraries.
Example This example creates a macro library that defines two macros, inc4 and dec4. The file
inc4.asm contains the definition of inc4, and dec4.asm contains the definition of dec4.
inc4.asm dec4.asm
* Macro for incrementing * Macro for decrementing
inc4 .macro reg dec4 .macro reg
ADD.W #1, reg SUB.W #1, reg
.endm .endm
Use the archiver to create a macro library:

ar430 -a mac inc4.asm dec4.asm
Now you can use the .mlib directive to reference the macro library and define the inc4
and dec4 macros:
1 .mlist
2 .mlib "mac.lib"
3 ; Macro call
4 0000 inc4 R11, R12, R13, R14
1 0000 531B ADD.W #1,R11
1 0002 531C ADD.W #1,R12
1 0004 531D ADD.W #1,R13
1 0006 531E ADD.W #1,R14
5
6 ; Macro call
7 0008 dec4 R11, R12, R13, R14
1 0008 831B SUB.W #1,R11
1 000a 831C SUB.W #1,R12
1 000c 831D SUB.W #1,R13
1 000e 831E SUB.W #1,R14

.mlist/.mnolist — Start/Stop Macro Expansion Listing www.ti.com
.mlist/.mnolist Start/Stop Macro Expansion Listing
Syntax .mlist
.mnolist
Description Two directives enable you to control the listing of macro and repeatable block
expansions in the listing file:
The .mlist directive allows macro and .loop/.endloop block expansions in the listing file.
The .mnolist directive suppresses macro and .loop/.endloop block expansions in the
listing file.
By default, the assembler behaves as if the .mlist directive had been specified.
See Chapter 5 for more information on macros and macro libraries. See the
.loop/.break/.endloop topic for information on conditional blocks.
Example This example defines a macro named STR_3. The first time the macro is called, the
macro expansion is listed (by default). The second time the macro is called, the macro
expansion is not listed, because a .mnolist directive was assembled. The third time the
macro is called, the macro expansion is again listed because a .mlist directive was
assembled.
1 STR_3 .macro P1, P2, P3
2 .string ":p1:", ":p2:", ":p3:"
3 .endm
4
5 0000 STR_3 "as", "I", "am" ; Invoke STR_3 macro.
1 0000 003A .string ":p1:", ":p2:", ":p3:"
0001 0070
0002 0031
0003 003A
0004 003A
0005 0070
0006 0032
0007 003A
0008 003A
0009 0070
000a 0033
000b 003A
6 .mnolist ; Suppress expansion.
7 000c STR_3 "as", "I", "am" ; Invoke STR_3 macro.
8 .mlist ; Show macro expansion.
9 0018 STR_3 "as", "I", "am" ; Invoke STR_3 macro.
1 0018 003A .string ":p1:", ":p2:", ":p3:"
0019 0070
001a 0031
001b 003A
001c 003A
001d 0070
001e 0032
001f 003A
0020 003A
0021 0070
0022 0033
0023 003A

www.ti.com .newblock — Terminate Local Symbol Block
.newblock Terminate Local Symbol Block
Syntax .newblock
Description The .newblock directive undefines any local labels currently defined. Local labels, by
nature, are temporary; the .newblock directive resets them and terminates their scope.
A local label is a label in the form $n, where n is a single decimal digit, or name?, where
name is a legal symbol name. Unlike other labels, local labels are intended to be used
locally, cannot be used in expressions, and do not qualify for branch expansion if used
with a branch. They can be used only as operands in 8-bit jump instructions. Local labels
are not included in the symbol table.
After a local label has been defined and (perhaps) used, you should use the .newblock
directive to reset it. The .text, .data, and .sect directives also reset local labels. Local
labels that are defined within an include file are not valid outside of the include file.
See Section 3.8.2 for more information on the use of local labels.
Example This example shows how the local label $1 is declared, reset, and then declared again.
1 .global ADDRA,ADDRB,ADDRC
2
3 0000 403B Label1: MOV #ADDRA, R11 ; Load Address A to R11
0002 0000!
4 0004 803B SUB #ADDRB, R11 ; Subtract Address B.
0006 0000!
5 0008 3803 JL $1 ; If < 0, branch to $1
6 000a 403B MOV #ADDRB, R11 ; otherwise, load ADDRB to R11
000c 0000!
7 000e 3C02 JMP $2 ; and branch to $2
8 0010 403B $1 MOV #ADDRA, R11 ; $1: load ADDRA to AC0.
0012 0000!
9 0014 503B $2 ADD #ADDRC, R11 ; $2: add ADDRC.
0016 0000!
10 .newblock ; Undefine $1 so can be used again.
11 0018 3C02 JMP $1 ; If less than zero,branch to $1.
12 001a 4B82 MOV R11,&ADDRC ; Store AC0 low in ADDRC.
001c 0000!
13 001e 4303 $1 NOP

.option — Select Listing Options www.ti.com
.option Select Listing Options
Syntax .option option1[, option2, . . .]

Description The .option directive selects options for the assembler output listing. The options must
be separated by commas; each option selects a listing feature. These are valid options:
A turns on listing of all directives and data, and subsequent expansions, macros,
and blocks.
B limits the listing of .byte and .char directives to one line.
H limits the listing of .half and .short directives to one line.
M turns off macro expansions in the listing.
N turns off listing (performs .nolist).
O turns on listing (performs .list).
R resets the B, H, M, T, and W directives (turns off the limits of B, H, M, T, and
W).
T limits the listing of .string directives to one line.
W limits the listing of .word and .int directives to one line.
X produces a cross-reference listing of symbols. You can also obtain a
cross-reference listing by invoking the assembler with the --cross_reference
option (see Section 3.3).
Options are not case sensitive.

Example This example shows how to limit the listings of the .byte, .word, .long, and .string
directives to one line each.
1 *****************************************************
2 ** Limit the listing of .byte, .char, .int, .long, **
3 ** .word, and .string directives to 1 line each. **
4 *****************************************************
5 .option B, W, T
6 0000 00BD .byte -'C', 0B0h, 5
7 0003 00BC .char -'D', 0C0h, 6
8 0006 000A .int 10, 35 + 'a', "abc"
9 0010 CCDD .long 0AABBCCDDh, 536 + 'A'
0012 AABB
0014 0259
0016 0000
10 0018 15AA .word 5546, 78h
11 001c 0045 .string "Extended Registers"
12
13 ****************************************************
14 ** Reset the listing options. **
15 ****************************************************
16 .option R
17 002e 00BD .byte -'C', 0B0h, 5
002f 00B0
0030 0005
18 0031 00BC .char -'D', 0C0h, 6
0032 00C0
0033 0006
19 0034 000A .int 10, 35 + 'a', "abc"
0036 0084
0038 0061
003a 0062
003c 0063
20 003e CCDD .long 0AABBCCDDh, 536 + 'A'
0040 AABB
0042 0259
0044 0000
21 0046 15AA .word 5546, 78h
0048 0078

www.ti.com .page — Eject Page in Listing
22 004a 0045 .string "Extended Registers"
004b 0078
004c 0074
004d 0065
004e 006E
004f 0064
0050 0065
0051 0064
0052 0020
0053 0052
0054 0065
0055 0067
0056 0069
0057 0073
0058 0074
0059 0065
005a 0072
005b 0073
.page Eject Page in Listing
Syntax .page
Description The .page directive produces a page eject in the listing file. The .page directive is not
printed in the source listing, but the assembler increments the line counter when it
encounters the .page directive. Using the .page directive to divide the source listing into
logical divisions improves program readability.
Example This example shows how the .page directive causes the assembler to begin a new page
of the source listing.
Source file:
.title "**** Page Directive Example ****"
; .
; .
; .
.page
Listing file:
MSP430 COFF Assembler PC vx.x.x Mon Jul 26 10:58:19 2004
Tools Copyright (c) 2003-2004 Texas Instruments Incorporated

**** Page Directive Example **** PAGE 1
2 ; .
3 ; .
4 ; .

**** Page Directive Example **** PAGE 2

.sect — Assemble Into Named Section www.ti.com
.sect Assemble Into Named Section
Syntax .sect "section name"

Description The .sect directive defines a named section that can be used like the default .text and
.data sections. The .sect directive tells the assembler to begin assembling source code
into the named section.
The section name identifies the section. The section name is significant to 200
characters and must be enclosed in double quotes. A section name can contain a
subsection name in the form section name:subsection name.
See Chapter 2 for more information about sections.
Example This example defines a special-purpose section, Vars, and assembles code into it.
1 ***************************************************
2 ** Begin assembling into .text section. **
3 ***************************************************
4 0000 .text
5 0000 403B MOV #0x78,R11
0002 0078
6 0004 503B ADD #0x78,R11
0006 0078
7 ***************************************************
8 ** Begin assembling into Vars section. **
9 ***************************************************
10 0000 .sect Vars
11 0000 CCCD .float 0.05
0002 3D4C
12 0004 00AA X: .word 0xAA
13 ***************************************************
14 ** Resume assembling into .text section. **
15 ***************************************************
16 0008 .text
17 0008 5B0C ADD R11,R12
18 ***************************************************
19 ** Resume assembling into Vars section. **
20 ***************************************************
21 0006 .sect Vars
22 0006 000D .field 13
23 0008 000A .field 0xA
24 000a 0010 .field 0x10

www.ti.com .set/.equ — Define Assembly-Time Constant
.set/.equ Define Assembly-Time Constant
Syntax symbol .set value

symbol .equ value
Description The .set and .equ directives equate a constant value to a symbol. The symbol can then
be used in place of a value in assembly source. This allows you to equate meaningful
names with constants and other values. The .set and .equ directives are identical and
can be used interchangeably.
• The symbol is a label that must appear in the label field.
• The value must be a well-defined expression, that is, all symbols in the expression
must be previously defined in the current source module.
Undefined external symbols and symbols that are defined later in the module cannot be
used in the expression. If the expression is relocatable, the symbol to which it is
assigned is also relocatable.
The value of the expression appears in the object field of the listing. This value is not
part of the actual object code and is not written to the output file.
Symbols defined with .set or .equ can be made externally visible with the .def or .global
directive (see the .global/.def/.ref topic ). In this way, you can define global absolute
constants.
Example This example shows how symbols can be assigned with .set and .equ.
1 *****************************************************
2 ** Equate symbol ACCUM to register R11 and use **
3 ** it instead of the register. **
4 *****************************************************
5 000B ACCUM .set R11
6 0000 401B MOV 0x56, ACCUM
0002 0054
7
8 *****************************************************
9 ** Set symbol INDEX to an integer expression **
10 ** and use it as an immediate operand. **
11 *****************************************************
12 0035 INDEX .equ 100/2 + 3
13 0004 503B ADD #INDEX, ACCUM
0006 0035
14
15 *****************************************************
16 ** Set symbol SYMTAB to a relocatable expression **
17 ** and use it as a relocatable operand. **
18 *****************************************************
19 0008 000A LABEL .word 10
20 0009! SYMTAB .set LABEL + 1
21
22 *****************************************************
23 ** Set symbol NSYMS equal to the symbol INDEX **
24 ** and use it as you would INDEX. **
25 *****************************************************
26 0035 NSYMS .set INDEX
27 000a 0035 .word NSYMS

.space/.bes — Reserve Space www.ti.com
.space/.bes Reserve Space
Syntax [label] .space size in bytes

[label] .bes size in bytes
Description The .space and .bes directives reserve the number of bytes given by size in bytes in the
current section and fill them with 0s. The section program counter is incremented to
point to the word following the reserved space.
When you use a label with the .space directive, it points to the first byte reserved. When
you use a label with the .bes directive, it points to the last byte reserved.
Example This example shows how memory is reserved with the .space and .bes directives.
1 **************************************************
2 ** Begin assembling into the .text section. **
3 **************************************************
4 0000 .text
5
6 **************************************************
7 ** Reserve 0F0 bytes in the .text section. **
8 **************************************************
9 0000 .space 0F0h
10 00f0 0100 .word 100h, 200h
00f2 0200
11 **************************************************
12 ** Begin assembling into the .data section. **
13 **************************************************
14 0000 .data
15 0000 0049 .string "In .data"
0001 006E
0002 0020
0003 002E
0004 0064
0005 0061
0006 0074
0007 0061
16 ***************************************************
17 ** Reserve 100 bytes in the .data section; RES_1 **
18 ** points to the first byte that contains **
19 ** reserved bytes. **
20 ***************************************************
21 0008 RES_1: .space 100
22 006c 000F .word 15
23 006e 0008! .word RES_1
24 ***************************************************
25 ** Reserve 20 bits in the .data section; RES_2 **
26 ** points to the last byte that contains **
27 ** reserved bytes. **
28 ***************************************************
29 0083 RES_2: .bes 20
30 0084 0036 .word 36h
31 0086 0083! .word RES_2

www.ti.com .sslist/.ssnolist — Control Listing of Substitution Symbols
.sslist/.ssnolist Control Listing of Substitution Symbols
Syntax .sslist
.ssnolist
Description Two directives allow you to control substitution symbol expansion in the listing file:
The .sslist directive allows substitution symbol expansion in the listing file. The
expanded line appears below the actual source line.
The .ssnolist directive suppresses substitution symbol expansion in the listing file.
By default, all substitution symbol expansion in the listing file is suppressed; the
assembler acts as if the .ssnolist directive had been used.
Lines with the pound (#) character denote expanded substitution symbols.
Example This example shows code that, by default, suppresses the listing of substitution symbol
expansion, and it shows the .sslist directive assembled, instructing the assembler to list
substitution symbol code expansion.
1 SHIFT .macro dst,amount
2 .loop amount
3 RLA dst
4 .endloop
5 .endm
6
7 .global value
8
9 0000 SHIFT R5,3
1 .loop 3
1 RLA dst
1 .endloop
2 0000 5505 RLA R5
2 0002 5505 RLA R5
2 0004 5505 RLA R5
10 0006 5582 ADD R5,&value
0008 0000!
11
12 .sslist
13
14 000a SHIFT R5,3
1 .loop amount
# .loop 3
1 RLA dst
1 .endloop
2 000a 5505 RLA dst
# RLA R5
2 000c 5505 RLA dst
# RLA R5
2 000e 5505 RLA dst
# RLA R5

.string — Initialize Text www.ti.com
.string Initialize Text
Syntax .string {expr1 | "string1"}[, ... , {exprn | "stringn"}]

Description The .string directive places 8-bit characters from a character string into the current
section. The expr or string can be one of the following:
• An expression that the assembler evaluates and treats as an 8-bit signed number.
separate value, and values are stored in consecutive bytes. The entire string must be
enclosed in quotes.
The assembler truncates any values that are greater than eight bits. You can have up to
100 operands, but they must fit on a single source statement line.
If you use a label, it points to the location of the first byte that is initialized.
When you use .string in a .struct/.endstruct sequence, .string defines a member's size; it
does not initialize memory. For more information, see the .struct/.endstruct/.tag topic .
Example This example shows 8-bit values placed into words in the current section.
1 0000 0041 Str_Ptr: .string "ABCD"
0001 0042
0002 0043
0003 0044
2 0004 0041 .string 41h, 42h, 43h, 44h
0005 0042
0006 0043
0007 0044
3 0008 0041 .string "Austin", "Houston", "Dallas"
0009 0075
000a 0073
000b 0074
000c 0069
000d 006E
000e 0048
000f 006F
0010 0075
0011 0073
0012 0074
0013 006F
0014 006E
0015 0044
0016 0061
0017 006C
0018 006C
0019 0061
001a 0073
4 001b 0030 .string 36 + 12

www.ti.com .struct/.endstruct/.tag — Declare Structure Type
.struct/.endstruct/.tag Declare Structure Type
Syntax [stag] .struct [expr]

[mem0] element [expr0]
[mem1] element [expr1]
. . .
. . .
. . .
[memn] .tag stag [exprn]
. . .
. . .
. . .
[memN] element [exprN]
[size] .endstruct
label .tag stag
Description The .struct directive assigns symbolic offsets to the elements of a data structure
definition. This allows you to group similar data elements together and let the assembler
calculate the element offset. This is similar to a C structure or a Pascal record. The
.struct directive does not allocate memory; it merely creates a symbolic template that can
be used repeatedly.
The .endstruct directive terminates the structure definition.
The .tag directive gives structure characteristics to a label, simplifying the symbolic
representation and providing the ability to define structures that contain other structures.
The .tag directive does not allocate memory. The structure tag (stag) of a .tag directive
must have been previously defined.
Following are descriptions of the parameters used with the .struct, .endstruct, and .tag
directives:
• The stag is the structure's tag. Its value is associated with the beginning of the
structure. If no stag is present, the assembler puts the structure members in the
global symbol table with the value of their absolute offset from the top of the
structure. A .stag is optional for .struct, but is required for .tag.
• The expr is an optional expression indicating the beginning offset of the structure.
The default starting point for a structure is 0.
• The memn/N is an optional label for a member of the structure. This label is absolute
and equates to the present offset from the beginning of the structure. A label for a
structure member cannot be declared global.
• The element is one of the following descriptors: .byte, .char, .word, .int, .long, .string,
.double, .float, .half, .short, and .field. All of these except .tag are typical directives
that initialize memory. Following a .struct directive, these directives describe the
structure element's size. They do not allocate memory. A .tag directive is a special
case because stag must be used (as in the definition of stag).
• The exprn/N is an optional expression for the number of elements described. This
value defaults to 1. A .string element is considered to be one byte in size, and a .field
element is one bit.
• The size is an optional label for the total size of the structure.
Directives That Can Appear in a .struct/.endstruct Sequence

Note: The only directives that can appear in a .struct/.endstruct sequence are
element descriptors, conditional assembly directives, and the .align
directive, which aligns the member offsets on word boundaries. Empty
structures are illegal.

.struct/.endstruct/.tag — Declare Structure Type www.ti.com
The following examples show various uses of the .struct, .tag, and .endstruct directives.
Example 1 1 REAL_REC .struct ;stag
2 0000 NOM .int ;member1 = 0
3 0002 DEN .int ;member2 = 2
4 0004 REAL_LEN .endstruct ;real_len = 4
5
6 0000 .bss REAL, REAL_LEN
7
8 0000 .text
9 0000 521B ADD.W &REAL + REAL_REC.DEN,R11
0002 0002!
10
Example 2 11 0000 .data

12 CPLX_REC .struct
13 0000 REALI .tag REAL_REC ; stag
14 0004 IMAGI .tag REAL_REC ; member1 = 0
15 0008 CPLX_LEN .endstruct ; cplx_len = 8
16
17 COMPLEX .tag CPLX_REC ; assign structure attrib
18
19 0004 .bss COMPLEX, CPLX_LEN
20
21 0004 .text
22 0004 521B ADD &COMPLEX.REALI,R11 ; access structure
0006 0004!

2 .struct ; no stag puts mems into
3 ; global symbol table
4 0000 X .int ; create 3 dim templates
5 0002 Y .int
6 0004 Z .int
7 0006 .endstruct

2 BIT_REC .struct ; stag
3 0000 STREAM .string 64
4 0040 BIT7 .field 7 ; bits1 = 64
5 0040 BIT9 .field 9 ; bits2 = 64
6 0042 BIT10 .field 10 ; bits3 = 65
7 0044 X_INT .int ; x_int = 66
8 0046 BIT_LEN .endstruct ; length = 67
9
10 BITS .tag BIT_REC
11
12 0000 .bss BITS, BIT_REC
13
14 0000 .text
15 0000 521B ADD &BITS.BIT7,R11 ; move into R11
0002 0040!
16 0004 F03B AND #127,R11 ; mask off garbage bits
0006 007F

www.ti.com .tab — Define Tab Size
.tab Define Tab Size
Syntax .tab size

Description The .tab directive defines the tab size. Tabs encountered in the source input are
translated to size character spaces in the listing. The default tab size is eight spaces.
Example In this example, each of the lines of code following a .tab statement consists of a single
tab character followed by an NOP instruction.
Source file:
; default tab size
NOP
NOP
NOP
.tab 4
NOP
NOP
NOP
.tab 16
NOP
NOP
NOP
Listing file:
1 ; default tab size
2 0000 4303 NOP
3 0002 4303 NOP
4 0004 4303 NOP
5
7 0006 4303 NOP
8 0008 4303 NOP
9 000a 4303 NOP
10
12 000c 4303 NOP
13 000e 4303 NOP
14 0010 4303 NOP

.text — Assemble Into the .text Section www.ti.com
.text Assemble Into the .text Section
Syntax .text
Description The .text directive tells the assembler to begin assembling into the .text section, which
usually contains executable code. The section program counter is set to 0 if nothing has
yet been assembled into the .text section. If code has already been assembled into the
.text section, the section program counter is restored to its previous value in the section.
The .text section is the default section. Therefore, at the beginning of an assembly, the
assembler assembles code into the .text section unless you use a .data or .sect directive
to specify a different section.
Example This example assembles code into the .text and .data sections.
1 ********************************************
2 * Begin assembling into the .data section. *
3 ********************************************
4 0000 .data
5 0000 000A .byte 0Ah, 0Bh
0001 000B
6 0002 0011 coeff .word 011h,0x22,0x33
0004 0022
0006 0033
7
8 ********************************************
9 * Begin assembling into the .text section. *
10 ********************************************
11 0000 .text
12 0000 0041 START: .string "A", "B", "C"
0001 0042
0002 0043
13 0003 0058 $END: .string "X", "Y", "Z"
0004 0059
0005 005A
14 0006 403A MOV.W #0x1234,R10
0008 1234
15 000a 521A ADD.W &coeff+1,R10
000c 0003!
16
17 ********************************************
18 * Resume assembling into .data section. *
19 ********************************************
20 0008 .data
21 0008 000C .byte 0Ch, 0Dh
0009 000D
22
23 ********************************************
24 * Resume assembling into .text section. *
25 ********************************************
26 000e .text
27 000e 0051 .string "QUIT"
000f 0055
0010 0049
0011 0054

www.ti.com .title — Define Page Title
.title Define Page Title
Syntax .title "string"

Description The .title directive supplies a title that is printed in the heading on each listing page. The
source statement itself is not printed, but the line counter is incremented.
The string is a quote-enclosed title of up to 64 characters. If you supply more than 64
characters, the assembler truncates the string and issues a warning:
*** WARNING! line x: W0001: String is too long - will be truncated
The assembler prints the title on the page that follows the directive and on subsequent
pages until another .title directive is processed. If you want a title on the first page, the
first source statement must contain a .title directive.
Example In this example, one title is printed on the first page and a different title is printed on
succeeding pages.
Source file:
.title "**** Fast Fourier Transforms ****"
; .
; .
; .
.title "**** Floating-Point Routines ****"
.page
Listing file:

**** Fast Fourier Transforms **** PAGE 1
2 ; .
3 ; .
4 ; .

**** Floating-Point Routines **** PAGE 2

.usect — Reserve Uninitialized Space www.ti.com
.usect Reserve Uninitialized Space
Syntax symbol .usect "section name", size in bytes [, alignment]

Description The .usect directive reserves space for variables in an uninitialized, named section. This
directive is similar to the .bss directive; both simply reserve space for data and that
space has no contents. However, .usect defines additional sections that can be placed
anywhere in memory, independently of the .bss section.
• The symbol points to the first location reserved by this invocation of the .usect
directive. The symbol corresponds to the name of the variable for which you are
reserving space.
• The section name is significant to 200 characters and must be enclosed in double
quotes. This parameter names the uninitialized section. A section name can contain
a subsection name in the form section name:subsection name.
• The size in bytes is an expression that defines the number of bytes that are reserved
in section name.
• The alignment is an optional parameter that ensures that the space allocated to the
symbol occurs on the specified boundary. The boundary indicates the size of the
alignment in bytes and can be set to a power of 2 between 20 and 215, inclusive. If
the SPC is aligned at the specified boundary, it is not incremented.
Initialized sections directives (.text, .data, and .sect) end the current section and tell the
assembler to begin assembling into another section. A .usect or .bss directive
encountered in the current section is simply assembled, and assembly continues in the
current section.
Variables that can be located contiguously in memory can be defined in the same
specified section; to do so, repeat the .usect directive with the same section name and
the subsequent symbol (variable name).
Example This example uses the .usect directive to define two uninitialized, named sections, var1
and var2. The symbol ptr points to the first byte reserved in the var1 section. The symbol
array points to the first byte in a block of 100 bytes reserved in var1, and dflag points to
the first byte in a block of 50 bytes in var1. The symbol vec points to the first byte
reserved in the var2 section.
Figure 4-7 shows how this example reserves space in two uninitialized sections, var1
and var2.
1 ******************************************************
2 ** Assemble into the .text section. **
3 ******************************************************
4 0000 .text
5 0000 403B MOV #0x3,R11
0002 0003
6
7 ******************************************************
8 ** Reserve 2 bytes in the var1 section. **
9 ******************************************************
10 0000 ptr .usect "var1",2
11
12 ******************************************************
14 ******************************************************
15 0002 array .usect "var1",100
16
17 0004 503B ADD #37,R11
0006 0025
18
19 ******************************************************
21 ******************************************************
22 0066 dflag .usect "var1",50
23

www.ti.com .usect — Reserve Uninitialized Space
24 0008 503C ADD #dflag-array,R12
000a 0064
25
26 ******************************************************
28 ******************************************************
29 0000 vec .usect "var2",100
30
31 000c 5C0B ADD R12,R11
32
33 ******************************************************
34 ** Declare a .usect symbol to be external. **
35 ******************************************************
36 .global array
Figure 4-7. The .usect Directive

Section var1 Section var2
ptr 2 bytes ptr
array
100 bytes
100 bytes
100 bytes reserved

in var2
dflag
50 bytes
152 bytes reserved

in var1

.var — Use Substitution Symbols as Local Variables www.ti.com
.var Use Substitution Symbols as Local Variables
Syntax .var sym1[, sym2, ... , symn]

Description The .var directive allows you to use substitution symbols as local variables within a
macro. With this directive, you can define up to 32 local macro substitution symbols
(including parameters) per macro.
The .var directive creates temporary substitution symbols with the initial value of the null
string. These symbols are not passed in as parameters, and they are lost after
expansion.
See Chapter 5 for information on macros.

Chapter 5
Macro Description
The MSP430™ assembler supports a macro language that enables you to create your own instructions.
This is especially useful when a program executes a particular task several times. The macro language
lets you:
• Define your own macros and redefine existing macros
• Simplify long or complicated assembly code
• Access macro libraries created with the archiver
• Define conditional and repeatable blocks within a macro
• Manipulate strings within a macro
• Control expansion listing
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
5.1 Using Macros .......................................................................... 114

5.2 Defining Macros ...................................................................... 114
5.3 Macro Parameters/Substitution Symbols .................................... 116
5.4 Macro Libraries ....................................................................... 122
5.5 Using Conditional Assembly in Macros ...................................... 123
5.6 Using Labels in Macros ............................................................ 125
5.7 Producing Messages in Macros ................................................ 126
5.8 Using Directives to Format the Output Listing ............................ 127
5.9 Using Recursive and Nested Macros ......................................... 128
5.10 Macro Directives Summary ....................................................... 129
SLAU131B – March 2008 Macro Description 113

Using Macros www.ti.com
5.1 Using Macros

Programs often contain routines that are executed several times. Instead of repeating the source
statements for a routine, you can define the routine as a macro, then call the macro in the places where
you would normally repeat the routine. This simplifies and shortens your source program.
If you want to call a macro several times but with different data each time, you can assign parameters
within a macro. This enables you to pass different information to the macro each time you call it. The
macro language supports a special symbol called a substitution symbol, which is used for macro
parameters. See Section 5.3 for more information.
Using a macro is a 3-step process.
Step 1. Define the macro. You must define macros before you can use them in your program. There
are two methods for defining macros:
a. Macros can be defined at the beginning of a source file or in a copy/include file. See
Section 5.2, Defining Macros, for more information.
b. Macros can also be defined in a macro library. A macro library is a collection of files in
archive format created by the archiver. Each member of the archive file (macro library)
may contain one macro definition corresponding to the member name. You can access a
macro library by using the .mlib directive. For more information, see Section 5.4.
Step 2. Call the macro. After you have defined a macro, call it by using the macro name as a
mnemonic in the source program. This is referred to as a macro call.
Step 3. Expand the macro. The assembler expands your macros when the source program calls
them. During expansion, the assembler passes arguments by variable to the macro
parameters, replaces the macro call statement with the macro definition, then assembles the
source code. By default, the macro expansions are printed in the listing file. You can turn off
expansion listing by using the .mnolist directive. For more information, see Section 5.8.
When the assembler encounters a macro definition, it places the macro name in the opcode table. This
redefines any previously defined macro, library entry, directive, or instruction mnemonic that has the same
name as the macro. This allows you to expand the functions of directives and instructions, as well as to
add new instructions.
5.2 Defining Macros
You can define a macro anywhere in your program, but you must define the macro before you can use it.
Macros can be defined at the beginning of a source file or in a .copy/.include file (see Copy Source File );
they can also be defined in a macro library. For more information about macro libraries, see Section 5.4.
Macro definitions can be nested, and they can call other macros, but all elements of the macro must be
defined in the same file. Nested macros are discussed in Section 5.9.
A macro definition is a series of source statements in the following format:
macname .macro [parameter1] [, ... ,parametern]
model statements or macro directives
[.mexit]
.endm
macname names the macro. You must place the name in the source statement's label field.
Only the first 128 characters of a macro name are significant. The assembler
places the macro name in the internal opcode table, replacing any instruction or
previous macro definition with the same name.
.macro is the directive that identifies the source statement as the first line of a macro
definition. You must place .macro in the opcode field.
114 Macro Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Defining Macros
parameter1, are optional substitution symbols that appear as operands for the .macro directive.
parametern Parameters are discussed in Section 5.3.
model statements are instructions or assembler directives that are executed each time the macro is
called.
macro directives are used to control macro expansion.
.mexit is a directive that functions as a goto .endm. The .mexit directive is useful when
error testing confirms that macro expansion fails and completing the rest of the
macro is unnecessary.
.endm is the directive that terminates the macro definition.
If you want to include comments with your macro definition but do not want those comments to appear in
the macro expansion, use an exclamation point to precede your comments. If you do want your comments
to appear in the macro expansion, use an asterisk or semicolon. See Section 5.7 for more information
about macro comments.
Example 5-1 shows the definition, call, and expansion of a macro.
Example 5-1. Macro Definition, Call, and Expansion
Macro definition: The following code defines a macro, sadd4, with four parameters:
1 add3 .macro P1,P2,P3,SUM
2 MOV #0,SUM
3 ADD P1,SUM
4 ADD P2,SUM
5 ADD P3,SUM
6 .endm
Macro call: The following code calls the sadd4 macro with four arguments:
7
8 0000 add3 R11,R12,R13,R14
Macro expansion: The following code shows the substitution of the macro definition for the macro call.
The assembler substitutes A0, A1, A2, and A3 for the r1, r2, r3, and r4 parameters of sadd4.
1 0000 430E MOV #0,R14
1 0002 5B0E ADD R11,R14
1 0004 5C0E ADD R12,R14
1 0006 5D0E ADD R13,R14

Macro Parameters/Substitution Symbols www.ti.com
5.3 Macro Parameters/Substitution Symbols
If you want to call a macro several times with different data each time, you can assign parameters within
the macro. The macro language supports a special symbol, called a substitution symbol, which is used for
macro parameters.
Macro parameters are substitution symbols that represent a character string. These symbols can also be
used outside of macros to equate a character string to a symbol name (see Section 3.8.6).
Valid substitution symbols can be up to 128 characters long and must begin with a letter. The remainder
of the symbol can be a combination of alphanumeric characters, underscores, and dollar signs.
Substitution symbols used as macro parameters are local to the macro they are defined in. You can define
up to 32 local substitution symbols (including substitution symbols defined with the .var directive) per
macro. For more information about the .var directive, see Section 5.3.6.
During macro expansion, the assembler passes arguments by variable to the macro parameters. The
character-string equivalent of each argument is assigned to the corresponding parameter. Parameters
without corresponding arguments are set to the null string. If the number of arguments exceeds the
number of parameters, the last parameter is assigned the character-string equivalent of all remaining
arguments.
If you pass a list of arguments to one parameter or if you pass a comma or semicolon to a parameter, you
must surround these terms with quotation marks .
At assembly time, the assembler replaces the macro parameter/substitution symbol with its corresponding
character string, then translates the source code into object code.
Example 5-2 shows the expansion of a macro with varying numbers of arguments.
Example 5-2. Calling a Macro With Varying Numbers of Arguments
Macro definition:
Parms .macro a,b,c
; a = :a:
; b = :b:
; c = :c:
.endm
Calling the macro:

Parms 100,label Parms 100,label,x,y
; a = 100 ; a = 100
; b = label ; b = label
; c = " " ; c = x,y
Parms 100, , x Parms "100,200,300",x,y

; a = 100 ; a = 100,200,300
; b = " " ; b = x
; c = x ; c = y
Parms """string""",x,y
; a = "string"
; b = x
; c = y

www.ti.com Macro Parameters/Substitution Symbols
5.3.1 Directives That Define Substitution Symbols
You can manipulate substitution symbols with the .asg and .eval directives.
• The .asg directive assigns a character string to a substitution symbol.
For the .asg directive, the quotation marks are optional. If there are no quotation marks, the assembler
reads characters up to the first comma and removes leading and trailing blanks. In either case, a
character string is read and assigned to the substitution symbol. The syntax of the .asg directive is:
.asg["]character string["], substitution symbol
Example 5-3 shows character strings being assigned to substitution symbols.

Example 5-3. The .asg Directive
.asg R13, stack_ptr ; stack pointer
• The .eval directive performs arithmetic on numeric substitution symbols.

The .eval directive evaluates the expression and assigns the string value of the result to the
substitution symbol. If the expression is not well defined, the assembler generates an error and
assigns the null string to the symbol. The syntax of the .eval directive is:
.eval well-defined expression, substitution symbol
Example 5-4 shows arithmetic being performed on substitution symbols.

Example 5-4. The .eval Directive
.asg 1,counter
.loop 100
.word counter
.eval counter + 1,counter
.endloop
In Example 5-4, the .asg directive could be replaced with the .eval directive (.eval 1, counter) without
changing the output. In simple cases like this, you can use .eval and .asg interchangeably. However, you
must use .eval if you want to calculate a value from an expression. While .asg only assigns a character
string to a substitution symbol, .eval evaluates an expression and then assigns the character string
equivalent to a substitution symbol.
See Assign a Substitution Symbol for more information about the .asg and .eval assembler directives.

5.3.2 Built-In Substitution Symbol Functions

The following built-in substitution symbol functions enable you to make decisions on the basis of the string
value of substitution symbols. These functions always return a value, and they can be used in
expressions. Built-in substitution symbol functions are especially useful in conditional assembly
expressions. Parameters of these functions are substitution symbols or character-string constants.
In the function definitions shown in Table 5-1, a and b are parameters that represent substitution symbols
or character-string constants. The term string refers to the string value of the parameter. The symbol ch
represents a character constant.
Table 5-1. Substitution Symbol Functions and Return Values

Function Return Value
$symlen (a) Length of string a
$symcmp (a,b) < 0 if a < b; 0 if a = b; > 0 if a > b
$firstch (a,ch) Index of the first occurrence of character constant ch in string a
$lastch (a,ch) Index of the last occurrence of character constant ch in string a
$isdefed (a) 1 if string a is defined in the symbol table
0 if string a is not defined in the symbol table
$ismember (a,b) Top member of list b is assigned to string a
0 if b is a null string
$iscons (a) 1 if string a is a binary constant
2 if string a is an octal constant
3 if string a is a hexadecimal constant
4 if string a is a character constant
5 if string a is a decimal constant
$isname(a) 1 if string a is a valid symbol name
0 if string a is not a valid symbol name
(1)
$isreg (a) 1 if string a is a valid predefined register name
0 if string a is not a valid predefined register name
(1)
For more information about predefined register names, see Section 3.8.5.
Example 5-5 shows built-in substitution symbol functions.
Example 5-5. Using Built-In Substitution Symbol Functions
.asg label, ADDR ; ADDR = label

.if ($symcmp(ADDR, "label") = 0) ; evaluates to true
MOV #ADDR, R4
.endif
.asg "x,y,z" , list ; list = x,y,z
.if ($ismember(ADDR,list)) ; ADDR = x, list = y,z
SUB #4, R4 ; sub x
.endif

5.3.3 Recursive Substitution Symbols

When the assembler encounters a substitution symbol, it attempts to substitute the corresponding
character string. If that string is also a substitution symbol, the assembler performs substitution again. The
assembler continues doing this until it encounters a token that is not a substitution symbol or until it
encounters a substitution symbol that it has already encountered during this evaluation.
In Example 5-6, the x is substituted for z; z is substituted for y; and y is substituted for x. The assembler
recognizes this as infinite recursion and ceases substitution.
Example 5-6. Recursive Substitution
.asg "x",z ; declare z and assign z = "x"

.asg "z",y ; declare y and assign y = "z"
.asg "y",x ; declare x and assign x = "y"
MOV #x, R11
5.3.4 Forced Substitution

In some cases, substitution symbols are not recognizable to the assembler. The forced substitution
operator, which is a set of colons surrounding the symbol, enables you to force the substitution of a
symbol's character string. Simply enclose a symbol with colons to force the substitution. Do not include
any spaces between the colons and the symbol.
The syntax for the forced substitution operator is:
:symbol:
The assembler expands substitution symbols surrounded by colons before expanding other substitution
symbols.
You can use the forced substitution operator only inside macros, and you cannot nest a forced substitution
operator within another forced substitution operator.
Example 5-7 shows how the forced substitution operator is used.

Example 5-7. Using the Forced Substitution Operator
1 force .macro
2 .asg 0,x
3 .loop 8
4 AUX:x: .set x
5 .eval x+1,x
6 .endloop
7 .endm
8
9 0000 force
1 .asg 0,x
1 .loop 8
1 AUX:x: .set x
1 .eval x+1,x
1 .endloop
2 0000 AUX0 .set 0
2 .eval 0+1,x
2 0001 AUX1 .set 1
2 .eval 1+1,x
2 0002 AUX2 .set 2
2 .eval 2+1,x
2 0003 AUX3 .set 3
2 .eval 3+1,x
2 0004 AUX4 .set 4
2 .eval 4+1,x
2 0005 AUX5 .set 5
2 .eval 5+1,x
2 0006 AUX6 .set 6
2 .eval 6+1,x
2 0007 AUX7 .set 7
2 .eval 7+1,x
5.3.5 Accessing Individual Characters of Subscripted Substitution Symbols

In a macro, you can access the individual characters (substrings) of a substitution symbol with subscripted
substitution symbols. You must use the forced substitution operator for clarity.
You can access substrings in two ways:
• :symbol (well-defined expression):
This method of subscripting evaluates to a character string with one character.
• :symbol (well-defined expression1, well-defined expression2):
In this method, expression1 represents the substring's starting position, and expression2 represents the
substring's length. You can specify exactly where to begin subscripting and the exact length of the
resulting character string. The index of substring characters begins with 1, not 0.
Example 5-8 and Example 5-9 show built-in substitution symbol functions used with subscripted
substitution symbols.
In Example 5-8, subscripted substitution symbols redefine the ADD instruction so that it handles short
immediate values. In Example 5-9, the subscripted substitution symbol is used to find a substring strg1
beginning at position start in the string strg2. The position of the substring strg1 is assigned to the
substitution symbol pos.

Example 5-8. Using Subscripted Substitution Symbols to Redefine an Instruction
ADDX .macro dst, imm

.var TMP
.asg :imm(1):, TMP
.if $symcmp(TMP,"#") = 0
ADD imm, dst
.else
.emsg "Bad Macro Parameter"
.endif
.endm
ADDX R9, #100 ; macro call

ADDX R9, R8 ; macro call
Example 5-9. Using Subscripted Substitution Symbols to Find Substrings
substr .macro start,strg1,strg2,pos

.var LEN1,LEN2,I,TMP
.if $symlen(start) = 0
.eval 1,start
.endif
.eval 0,pos
.eval 1,i
.eval $symlen(strg1),LEN1
.eval $symlen(strg2),LEN2
.loop
.break i = (LEN2 - LEN1 + 1)
.asg ":strg2(I,LEN1):",TMP
.eval i,pos
.break
.else
.eval i + 1,i
.endif
.endloop
.endm
.asg 0,pos
.asg "ar1 ar2 ar3 ar4",regs
substr 1,"ar2",regs,pos
.word pos
5.3.6 Substitution Symbols as Local Variables in Macros

If you want to use substitution symbols as local variables within a macro, you can use the .var directive to
define up to 32 local macro substitution symbols (including parameters) per macro. The .var directive
creates temporary substitution symbols with the initial value of the null string. These symbols are not
passed in as parameters, and they are lost after expansion.
.var sym1 [,sym2 , ... ,symn]
The .var directive is used in Example 5-8 and Example 5-9.

Macro Libraries www.ti.com
5.4 Macro Libraries

One way to define macros is by creating a macro library. A macro library is a collection of files that contain
macro definitions. You must use the archiver to collect these files, or members, into a single file (called an
archive). Each member of a macro library contains one macro definition. The files in a macro library must
be unassembled source files. The macro name and the member name must be the same, and the macro
filename's extension must be .asm. For example:
Macro Name Filename in Macro Library

simple simple.asm
add3 add3.asm
You can access the macro library by using the .mlib assembler directive (described in Define Macro
Library ). The syntax is:
.mlib filename
When the assembler encounters the .mlib directive, it opens the library named by filename and creates a
table of the library's contents. The assembler enters the names of the individual members within the library
into the opcode tables as library entries; this redefines any existing opcodes or macros that have the same
name. If one of these macros is called, the assembler extracts the entry from the library and loads it into
the macro table.
The assembler expands the library entry in the same way it expands other macros. See Section 5.1 for
how the assembler expands macros. You can control the listing of library entry expansions with the .mlist
directive. For more information about the .mlist directive, see Section 5.8 and Start/Stop Macro Expansion
Listing . Only macros that are actually called from the library are extracted, and they are extracted only
once.
You can use the archiver to create a macro library by including the desired files in an archive. A macro
library is no different from any other archive, except that the assembler expects the macro library to
contain macro definitions. The assembler expects only macro definitions in a macro library; putting object
code or miscellaneous source files into the library may produce undesirable results. For information about
creating a macro library archive, see Chapter 6.

www.ti.com Using Conditional Assembly in Macros
5.5 Using Conditional Assembly in Macros

The conditional assembly directives are .if/.elseif/.else/.endif and .loop/ .break/.endloop. They can be
nested within each other up to 32 levels deep. The format of a conditional block is:
.if well-defined expression

[.elseif well-defined expression]
[.else]
.endif
The .elseif and .else directives are optional in conditional assembly. The .elseif directive can be used
more than once within a conditional assembly code block. When .elseif and .else are omitted and when
the .if expression is false (0), the assembler continues to the code following the .endif directive. See
Assemble Conditional Blocks for more information on the .if/ .elseif/.else/.endif directives.
The .loop/.break/.endloop directives enable you to assemble a code block repeatedly. The format of a
repeatable block is:
.loop [well-defined expression]

[.break [well-defined expression]]
.endloop
The .loop directive's optional well-defined expression evaluates to the loop count (the number of loops to
be performed). If the expression is omitted, the loop count defaults to 1024 unless the assembler
encounters a .break directive with an expression that is true (nonzero). See Assemble Conditional Blocks
Repeatedly for more information on the .loop/.break/.endloop directives.
The .break directive and its expression are optional in repetitive assembly. If the expression evaluates to
false, the loop continues. The assembler breaks the loop when the .break expression evaluates to true or
when the .break expression is omitted. When the loop is broken, the assembler continues with the code
after the .endloop directive.
For more information, see Section 4.7.
Example 5-10, Example 5-11, and Example 5-12 show the .loop/.break/ .endloop directives, properly
nested conditional assembly directives, and built-in substitution symbol functions used in a conditional
assembly code block.
Example 5-10. The .loop/.break/.endloop Directives
.asg 1,x
.loop
.break (x == 10) ; if x == 10, quit loop/break with expression
.eval x+1,x
.endloop

Using Conditional Assembly in Macros www.ti.com
Example 5-11. Nested Conditional Assembly Directives
.asg 1,x
.loop
.if (x == 10) ; if x == 10, quit loop

.break (x == 10) ; force break
.endif
.eval x+1,x
.endloop
Example 5-12. Built-In Substitution Symbol Functions in a Conditional Assembly Code Block
.fcnolist
* Increment or decrement
INCDEC .macro OP,dst

.if $symcmp(OP,"+")
ADD #1,dst
.elseif $symcmp(OP,"-")
SUB #1,dst
.else
.emsg "Incorrect Operator Parameter"
.endif
.endm
* Macro Call
INCDEC +,R11

www.ti.com Using Labels in Macros
5.6 Using Labels in Macros

All labels in an assembly language program must be unique. This includes labels in macros. If a macro is
expanded more than once, its labels are defined more than once. Defining a label more than once is
illegal. The macro language provides a method of defining labels in macros so that the labels are unique.
Simply follow each label with a question mark, and the assembler replaces the question mark with a
period followed by a unique number. When the macro is expanded, you do not see the unique number in
the listing file. Your label appears with the question mark as it did in the macro definition. You cannot
declare this label as global. The syntax for a unique label is:
label ?
Example 5-13 shows unique label generation in a macro. The maximum label length is shortened to allow
for the unique suffix. For example, if the macro is expanded fewer than 10 times, the maximum label
length is 126 characters. If the macro is expanded from 10 to 99 times, the maximum label length is 125.
The label with its unique suffix is shown in the cross-listing file. To obtain a cross-listing file, invoke the
assembler with the --cross_reference option (see Section 3.3).
Example 5-13. Unique Labels in a Macro
1 * Define macro to find minimum

2
3 MIN .macro src1,src2,dst
4 CMP src1,src2
5 JL m1?
6 MOV src1,dst
7 JMP m2?
8 m1? MOV src2,dst
9 m2?
10 .endm
11
12 0000 MIN R11,R12,R13
1 0000 9B0C CMP R11,R12
1 0002 3802 JL m1?
1 0004 4B0D MOV R11,R13
1 0006 3C01 JMP m2?
1 0008 4C0D m1? MOV R12,R13
1 m2?

Producing Messages in Macros www.ti.com
5.7 Producing Messages in Macros

The macro language supports three directives that enable you to define your own assembly-time error and
warning messages. These directives are especially useful when you want to create messages specific to
your needs. The last line of the listing file shows the error and warning counts. These counts alert you to
problems in your code and are especially useful during debugging.
.emsg sends error messages to the listing file. The .emsg directive generates errors in the same
manner as the assembler, incrementing the error count and preventing the assembler from
producing an object file.
.mmsg sends assembly-time messages to the listing file. The .mmsg directive functions in the same
manner as the .emsg directive but does not set the error count or prevent the creation of an
object file.
.wmsg sends warning messages to the listing file. The .wmsg directive functions in the same
manner as the .emsg directive, but it increments the warning count and does not prevent the
generation of an object file.
Macro comments are comments that appear in the definition of the macro but do not show up in the
expansion of the macro. An exclamation point in column 1 identifies a macro comment. If you want your
comments to appear in the macro expansion, precede your comment with an asterisk or semicolon.
Example 5-14 shows user messages in macros and macro comments that do not appear in the macro
expansion.
For more information about the .emsg, .mmsg, and .wmsg assembler directives, see Define Messages .
Example 5-14. Producing Messages in a Macro
1 MUL_I .macro x,y

2 .if ($symlen(x) == 0)
3 .emsg "ERROR -- Missing Parameter"
4 .mexit
5 .elseif ($symlen(y) == 0)
7 .mexit
8 .else
9 MOV x, R11
10 MOV y, R12
11 .endif
12 .endm
13
14 0000 MUL_I #50, #51
1 .if ($symlen(x) == 0)
1 .mexit
1 .elseif ($symlen(y) == 0)
1 .mexit
1 .else
1 0000 403B MOV #50, R11
0002 0032
1 0004 403C MOV #51, R12
0006 0033
1 .endif
15
16 0008 MUL_I
1 .if ($symlen(x) == 0)
"macromsg.asm", ERROR! at line 16: [ ***** USER ERROR ***** - ] ERROR -- Missing Parameter
1 .mexit
17
18
1 Assembly Error, No Assembly Warnings

www.ti.com Using Directives to Format the Output Listing
5.8 Using Directives to Format the Output Listing

Macros, substitution symbols, and conditional assembly directives may hide information. You may need to
see this hidden information, so the macro language supports an expanded listing capability.
By default, the assembler shows macro expansions and false conditional blocks in the list output file. You
may want to turn this listing off or on within your listing file. Four sets of directives enable you to control
the listing of this information:
• Macro and loop expansion listing

.mlist expands macros and .loop/.endloop blocks. The .mlist directive prints all code
encountered in those blocks.
.mnolist suppresses the listing of macro expansions and .loop/ .endloop blocks.
For macro and loop expansion listing, .mlist is the default.
• False conditional block listing
.fclist causes the assembler to include in the listing file all conditional blocks that do not
generate code (false conditional blocks). Conditional blocks appear in the listing
exactly as they appear in the source code.
.fcnolist suppresses the listing of false conditional blocks. Only the code in conditional blocks
that actually assemble appears in the listing. The .if, .elseif, .else, and .endif directives
do not appear in the listing.
For false conditional block listing, .fclist is the default.
• Substitution symbol expansion listing
.sslist expands substitution symbols in the listing. This is useful for debugging the expansion
of substitution symbols. The expanded line appears below the actual source line.
.ssnolist turns off substitution symbol expansion in the listing.
For substitution symbol expansion listing, .ssnolist is the default.
• Directive listing
.drlist causes the assembler to print to the listing file all directive lines.
.drnolist suppresses the printing of certain directives in the listing file. These directives are
.asg, .eval, .var, .sslist, .mlist, .fclist, .ssnolist, .mnolist, .fcnolist, .emsg, .wmsg,
.mmsg, .length, .width, and .break.
For directive listing, .drlist is the default.

Using Recursive and Nested Macros www.ti.com
5.9 Using Recursive and Nested Macros
The macro language supports recursive and nested macro calls. This means that you can call other
macros in a macro definition. You can nest macros up to 32 levels deep. When you use recursive macros,
you call a macro from its own definition (the macro calls itself).
When you create recursive or nested macros, you should pay close attention to the arguments that you
pass to macro parameters because the assembler uses dynamic scoping for parameters. This means that
the called macro uses the environment of the macro from which it was called.
Example 5-15 shows nested macros. The y in the in_block macro hides the y in the out_block macro. The
x and z from the out_block macro, however, are accessible to the in_block macro.
Example 5-15. Using Nested Macros
in_block .macro y,a

. ; visible parameters are y,a and x,z from the calling macro
.endm
out_block .macro x,y,z

. ; visible parameters are x,y,z
.
in_block x,y ; macro call with x and y as arguments
.
.
.endm
out_block ; macro call
Example 5-16 shows recursive and fact macros. The fact macro produces assembly code necessary to
calculate the factorial of n, where n is an immediate value. The result is placed in data memory address
loc. The fact macro accomplishes this by calling fact1, which calls itself recursively.
Example 5-16. Using Recursive Macros
fact .macro N,loc

.if N < 2
MOV #1,&loc
.else
MOV #N,&loc
.eval N-1,N
fact1
.endif
.endm
fact1 .macro
.if N > 1
MOV #N,R12 ; Assume MPY requires args to be in R12,R13
MOV &loc,R13
CALL MPY
MOV R12,&loc ; Assume MPY returns product in R12
.eval N - 1,N
fact1
.endif
.endm
.global fact_result
.global MPY
fact 5,fact_result

www.ti.com Macro Directives Summary
5.10 Macro Directives Summary

The directives listed in Table 5-2 through Table 5-6 can be used with macros. The .macro, .mexit, .endm
and .var directives are valid only with macros; the remaining directives are general assembly language
directives.
Table 5-2. Creating Macros

See
Mnemonic and Syntax Description Macro Use Directive
.endm End macro definition Section 5.2 .endm
macname .macro [parameter1][,... , parametern] Define macro by macname Section 5.2 .macro
.mexit Go to .endm Section 5.2 Section 5.2
.mlib filename Identify library containing macro definitions Section 5.4 .mlib
Table 5-3. Manipulating Substitution Symbols

See
.asg ["]character string["], substitution symbol Assign character string to substitution symbol Section 5.3.1 .asg
.eval well-defined expression, substitution symbol Perform arithmetic on numeric substitution symbols Section 5.3.1 .eval
.var sym1 [,sym2 , ...,symn] Define local macro symbols Section 5.3.6 .var
Table 5-4. Conditional Assembly

See
.break [well-defined expression] Optional repeatable block assembly Section 5.5 .break
.endif End conditional assembly Section 5.5 .endif
.endloop End repeatable block assembly Section 5.5 .endloop
.else Optional conditional assembly block Section 5.5 .else
.elseif well-defined expression Optional conditional assembly block Section 5.5 .elseif
.if well-defined expression Begin conditional assembly Section 5.5 .if
.loop [well-defined expression] Begin repeatable block assembly Section 5.5 .loop
Table 5-5. Producing Assembly-Time Messages

See
.emsg Send error message to standard output Section 5.7 .emsg
.mmsg Send assembly-time message to standard output Section 5.7 .mmsg
.wmsg Send warning message to standard output Section 5.7 .wmsg
Table 5-6. Formatting the Listing

See
.fclist Allow false conditional code block listing (default) Section 5.8 .fclist
.fcnolist Suppress false conditional code block listing Section 5.8 .fcnolist
.mlist Allow macro listings (default) Section 5.8 .mlist
.mnolist Suppress macro listings Section 5.8 .mnolist
.sslist Allow expanded substitution symbol listing Section 5.8 .sslist
.ssnolist Suppress expanded substitution symbol listing (default) Section 5.8 .ssnolist

Chapter 6
Archiver Description
The MSP430™ archiver lets you combine several individual files into a single archive file. For example,
you can collect several macros into a macro library. The assembler searches the library and uses the
members that are called as macros by the source file. You can also use the archiver to collect a group of
object files into an object library. The linker includes in the library the members that resolve external
references during the link. The archiver allows you to modify a library by deleting, replacing, extracting, or
adding members.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
6.1 Archiver Overview ................................................................... 132

6.2 The Archiver's Role in the Software Development Flow ............... 133
6.3 Invoking the Archiver ............................................................... 134
6.4 Archiver Examples .................................................................. 135
SLAU131B – March 2008 Archiver Description 131

Archiver Overview www.ti.com
6.1 Archiver Overview

You can build libraries from any type of files. Both the assembler and the linker accept archive libraries as
input; the assembler can use libraries that contain individual source files, and the linker can use libraries
that contain individual object files.
One of the most useful applications of the archiver is building libraries of object modules. For example,
you can write several arithmetic routines, assemble them, and use the archiver to collect the object files
into a single, logical group. You can then specify the object library as linker input. The linker searches the
library and includes members that resolve external references.
You can also use the archiver to build macro libraries. You can create several source files, each of which
contains a single macro, and use the archiver to collect these macros into a single, functional group. You
can use the .mlib directive during assembly to specify that macro library to be searched for the macros
that you call. Chapter 5, Macro Language, discusses macros and macro libraries in detail, while this
chapter explains how to use the archiver to build libraries.
132 Archiver Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com The Archiver's Role in the Software Development Flow
6.2 The Archiver's Role in the Software Development Flow

Figure 6-1 shows the archiver's role in the software development process. The shaded portion highlights
the most common archiver development path. Both the assembler and the linker accept libraries as input.
Figure 6-1. The Archiver in the MSP430 Software Development Flow
C/C++
source
files
Macro
source C/C++
files compiler
C/C++ name
Assembler
Archiver demangling
source
utility
Macro
library Assembler
Object
files
Run-time-
Library of support
object library
files Linker
Executable
object file
Hex-conversion
utility

Absolute lister

Invoking the Archiver www.ti.com
6.3 Invoking the Archiver

To invoke the archiver, enter:
ar430 [-]command [options] libname [filename1 ... filenamen]
ar430 is the command that invokes the archiver.

[-]command tells the archiver how to manipulate the existing library members and any specified . A
command can be preceded by an optional hyphen. You must use one of the following
commands when you invoke the archiver, but you can use only one command per
invocation. The archiver commands are as follows:
@ uses the contents of the specified file instead of command line entries. You can
use this command to avoid limitations on command line length imposed by the
host operating system. Use a ; at the beginning of a line in the command file to
include comments. (See Example 6-1 for an example using an archiver command
file.)
a adds the specified files to the library. This command does not replace an existing
member that has the same name as an added file; it simply appends new
members to the end of the archive.
d deletes the specified members from the library.
r replaces the specified members in the library. If you do not specify filenames, the
archiver replaces the library members with files of the same name in the current
directory. If the specified file is not found in the library, the archiver adds it instead
of replacing it.
t prints a table of contents of the library. If you specify filenames, only those files
are listed. If you do not specify any filenames, the archiver lists all the members in
the specified library.
x extracts the specified files. If you do not specify member names, the archiver
extracts all library members. When the archiver extracts a member, it simply
copies the member into the current directory; it does not remove it from the library.
options In addition to one of the commands, you can specify options. To use options, combine
them with a command; for example, to use the a command and the s option, enter -as
or as. The hyphen is optional for archiver options only. These are the archiver options:
-q (quiet) suppresses the banner and status messages.
-s prints a list of the global symbols that are defined in the library. (This option is
valid only with the a, r, and d commands.)
-u replaces library members only if the replacement has a more recent modification
date. You must use the r command with the -u option to specify which members to
replace.
-v (verbose) provides a file-by-file description of the creation of a new library from an
old library and its members.
libname names the archive library to be built or modified. If you do not specify an extension for
libname, the archiver uses the default extension .lib.
filenames names individual files to be manipulated. These files can be existing library members or
new files to be added to the library. When you enter a filename, you must enter a
complete filename including extension, if applicable.

www.ti.com Archiver Examples
Naming Library Members

Note: It is possible (but not desirable) for a library to contain several members with the same
name. If you attempt to delete, replace, or extract a member whose name is the same as
another library member, the archiver deletes, replaces, or extracts the first library member
with that name.
6.4 Archiver Examples

The following are examples of typical archiver operations:
• If you want to create a library called function.lib that contains the files sine.obj, cos.obj, and flt.obj,
enter:
ar430 -a function sine.obj cos.obj flt.obj
The archiver responds as follows:
==> new archive 'function.lib'
==> building new archive 'function.lib'
• You can print a table of contents of function.lib with the -t command, enter:
ar430 -t function

FILE NAME SIZE DATE
---------------- ----- ------------------------
sine.obj 300 Wed Jun 14 10:00:24 2006
cos.obj 300 Wed Jun 14 10:00:30 2006
flt.obj 300 Wed Jun 14 09:59:56 2006
• If you want to add new members to the library, enter:
ar430 -as function atan.obj

==> symbol defined: '_sin'
==> symbol defined: '$sin'
==> symbol defined: '_cos'
==> symbol defined: '$cos'
==> symbol defined: '_tan'
==> symbol defined: '$tan'
==> symbol defined: '_atan
==> symbol defined: '$atan'
==> building archive 'function.lib'
Because this example does not specify an extension for the libname, the archiver adds the files to the
library called function.lib. If function.lib does not exist, the archiver creates it. (The -s option tells the
archiver to list the global symbols that are defined in the library.)
• If you want to modify a library member, you can extract it, edit it, and replace it. In this example,
assume there is a library named macros.lib that contains the members push.asm, pop.asm, and
swap.asm.
ar430 -x macros push.asm
The archiver makes a copy of push.asm and places it in the current directory; it does not remove
push.asm from the library. Now you can edit the extracted file. To replace the copy of push.asm in the
library with the edited copy, enter:
ar430 -r macros push.asm

Archiver Examples www.ti.com
• If you want to use a command file, specify the command filename after the -@ command. For
example:
ar430 -@modules.cmd

==> building archive 'modules.lib'
Example 6-1 is the modules.cmd command file. The r command specifies that the filenames given in
the command file replace files of the same name in the modules.lib library. The -u option specifies that
these files are replaced only when the current file has a more recent revision date than the file that is
in the library.
Example 6-1. Archiver Command File
; Command file to replace members of the modules

library with updated files
; First, specify the r command and the u option:
ru
; Next, specify the library name:
modules.lib
; Last, list filenames to be replaced if updated:
align.asm
bss.asm
data.asm
text.asm
sect.asm
clink.asm
copy.asm
double.asm
drnolist.asm
emsg.asm
end.asm

Chapter 7
Linker Description
The MSP430™ linker creates executable modules by combining object modules. This chapter describes
the linker options, directives, and statements used to create executable modules. Object libraries,
command files, and other key concepts are discussed as well.
The concept of sections is basic to linker operation; Chapter 2 discusses the object module sections in
detail.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
7.1 Linker Overview ...................................................................... 138

7.2 The Linker's Role in the Software Development Flow .................. 139
7.3 Invoking the Linker .................................................................. 140
7.4 Linker Options ........................................................................ 141
7.5 Linker Command Files ............................................................. 156
7.6 Object Libraries....................................................................... 158
7.7 The MEMORY Directive ............................................................ 159
7.8 The SECTIONS Directive .......................................................... 161
7.9 Specifying a Section's Run-Time Address .................................. 173
7.10 Using UNION and GROUP Statements ....................................... 175
7.11 Special Section Types (DSECT, COPY, and NOLOAD) ................. 179
7.12 Default Allocation Algorithm ..................................................... 180
7.13 Assigning Symbols at Link Time ............................................... 181
7.14 Creating and Filling Holes ........................................................ 186
7.15 Linker-Generated Copy Tables .................................................. 189
7.16 Partial (Incremental) Linking ..................................................... 197
7.17 Linking C/C++ Code ................................................................. 198
7.18 Linker Example ....................................................................... 200
SLAU131B – March 2008 Linker Description 137

Linker Overview www.ti.com
7.1 Linker Overview

The MSP430 linker allows you to configure system memory by allocating output sections efficiently into
the memory map. As the linker combines object files, it performs the following tasks:
• Allocates sections into the target system's configured memory
• Relocates symbols and sections to assign them to final addresses
• Resolves undefined external references between input files
The linker command language controls memory configuration, output section definition, and address
binding. The language supports expression assignment and evaluation. You configure system memory by
defining and creating a memory model that you design. Two powerful directives, MEMORY and
SECTIONS, allow you to:
• Allocate sections into specific areas of memory
• Combine object file sections
• Define or redefine global symbols at link time
138 Linker Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com The Linker's Role in the Software Development Flow
7.2 The Linker's Role in the Software Development Flow

Figure 7-1 illustrates the linker's role in the software development process. The linker accepts several
types of files as input, including object files, command files, libraries, and partially linked files. The linker
creates an executable object module that can be downloaded to one of several development tools or
executed by a MSP430 device.
Figure 7-1. The Linker in the MSP430 Software Development Flow
C/C++
source
files
Macro
source C/C++
files compiler
C/C++ name
Assembler
Archiver demangling
source
utility
Macro
library Assembler
Object
files
Run-time-
Library of support
object library
files Linker
Executable
object file
Hex-conversion
utility

Absolute lister

Invoking the Linker www.ti.com
7.3 Invoking the Linker

The general syntax for invoking the linker is:
cl430 --run_linker [options] filename1 .... filenamen
cl430 --run_linker is the command that invokes the linker. The --run_linker option's short form is
-z.
options can appear anywhere on the command line or in a link command file. (Options
are discussed in Section 7.4.)
filename1, filenamen can be object files, link command files, or archive libraries. The default
extension for all input files is .obj; any other extension must be explicitly
specified. The linker can determine whether the input file is an object or ASCII
file that contains linker commands. The default output filename is a.out, unless
you use the --output_file option to name the output file.
There are two methods for invoking the linker:

• Specify options and filenames on the command line. This example links two files, file1.obj and file2.obj,
and creates an output module named link.out.
cl430 --run_linker file1.obj file2.obj --output_file=link.out
• Put filenames and options in a link command file. Filenames that are specified inside a link command
file must begin with a letter. For example, assume the file linker.cmd contains the following lines:
--output_file=link.out
file1.obj
file2.obj
Now you can invoke the linker from the command line; specify the command filename as an input file:
cl430 --run_linker linker.cmd
When you use a command file, you can also specify other options and files on the command line. For
example, you could enter:
cl430 --run_linker --map_file=link.map linker.cmd file3.obj
The linker reads and processes a command file as soon as it encounters the filename on the
command line, so it links the files in this order: file1.obj, file2.obj, and file3.obj. This example creates an
output file called link.out and a map file called link.map.
For information on invoking the linker for C/C++ files, see Section 7.17.

www.ti.com Linker Options
7.4 Linker Options

Linker options control linking operations. They can be placed on the command line or in a command file.
Linker options must be preceded by a hyphen (-). Options can be separated from arguments (if they have
them) by an optional space. Table 7-1 summarizes the linker options.
Table 7-1. Linker Options Summary

Option Alias Description Section
--absolute_exe -a Produces an absolute, executable module. This is the default; if neither Section 7.4.2.1
--absolute_exe nor --relocatable is specified, the linker acts as if
--absolute_exe were specified.
-ar Produces a relocatable, executable object module Section 7.4.2.3
--arg_size --args Allocates memory to be used by the loader to pass arguments Section 7.4.3
--compress_dwarf Aggressively reduces the size of DWARF information from input object files Section 7.4.4
--define Predefines name as a preprocessor macro. Section 7.4.8
--diag_error Categorizes the diagnostic identified by num as an error Section 7.4.5
--diag_remark Categorizes the diagnostic identified by num as a remark Section 7.4.5
--diag_suppress Suppresses the diagnostic identified by num Section 7.4.5
--diag_warning Categorizes the diagnostic identified by num as a warning Section 7.4.5
--disable_auto_rts Disables the automatic selection of a run-time-support library Section 7.4.6
--disable_clink -j Disables conditional linking of COFF object modules Section 7.4.7
--disable_pp Disables preprocessing for command files Section 7.4.8
--display_error_number Displays a diagnostic's identifiers along with its text Section 7.4.5
--entry_point -e Defines a global symbol that specifies the primary entry point for the output Section 7.4.9
module
--fill_value -f Sets default fill values for holes within output sections; fill_value is a 32-bit Section 7.4.10
constant
--gen_func_subsections Puts each function in a separate subsection in the object file Section 7.4.12
--generate_dead_funcs_list Writes a list of the dead functions that were removed by the linker to file Section 7.4.11
fname.
--heap_size -heap Sets heap size (for the dynamic memory allocation in C) to size bytes and Section 7.4.13
defines a global symbol that specifies the heap size. Default = 128 bytes
--issue_remarks Issues remarks (nonserious warnings) Section 7.4.5
--library -l Names an archive library or link command filename as linker input Section 7.4.14
--linker_help -help Displays information about syntax and available options –
--make_global -g Makes symbol global (overrides -h) Section 7.4.15
--make_static -h Makes all global symbols static Section 7.4.16
--map_file -m Produces a map or listing of the input and output sections, including holes, and Section 7.4.17
places the listing in filename
--mapfile_contents Controls the information that appears in the map file. Section 7.4.18
--no_demangle Disables demangling of symbol names in diagnostics Section 7.4.19
--no_sym_merge -b Disables merge of symbolic debugging information in COFF object files Section 7.4.20
--no_sym_table -s Strips symbol table information and line number entries from the output Section 7.4.21
module
--no_warnings Suppresses warning diagnostics (errors are still issued) Section 7.4.5
--output_file -o Names the executable output module. The default filename is a.out. Section 7.4.22
--priority -priority Satisfies unresolved references by the first library that contains a definition for Section 7.4.24
that symbol
--ram_model -cr Initializes variables at load time Section 7.4.23
--relocatable -r Produces a nonexecutable, relocatable output module Section 7.4.2.2
--reread_libs -x Forces rereading of libraries, which resolves back references Section 7.4.24
--rom_model -c Autoinitializes variables at run time Section 7.4.23
--run_abs -abs Produces an absolute listing file Section 7.4.25
--scan_libraries -scanlibs Scans all libraries for duplicate symbol definitions Section 7.4.26

Linker Options www.ti.com
Table 7-1. Linker Options Summary (continued)

Option Alias Description Section
--search_path -I Alters library-search algorithms to look in a directory named with pathname Section 7.4.14.1
before looking in the default location. This option must appear before the
--library option.
--set_error_limit Sets the error limit to num. The linker abandons linking after this number of Section 7.4.5
errors. (The default is 100.)
--stack_size -stack Sets C system stack size to size bytes and defines a global symbol that Section 7.4.27
specifies the stack size. Default = 128 bytes
--strict_compatibility Performs more conservative and rigorous compatibility checking of input object Section 7.4.28
files
--symbol_map Maps symbol references to a symbol definition of a different name Section 7.4.29
--undef_sym -u Places an unresolved external symbol into the output module's symbol table Section 7.4.30
--undefine Removes the preprocessor macro name. Section 7.4.8
-- Replaces all references to the default integer/long multiply routine with the Section 7.4.31
use_hw_mpy[={16|32|F5}] version of the multiply routine that uses the hardware multiplier support.
--verbose_diagnostics Provides verbose diagnostics that display the original source with line-wrap Section 7.4.5
--warn_sections -w Displays a message when an undefined output section is created Section 7.4.32
--xml_link_info Generates a well-formed XML file containing detailed information about the Section 7.4.33
result of a link
7.4.1 Wild Cards in File, Section, and Symbol Patterns

The linker allows file, section, and symbol names to be specified using the asterisk (*) and question mark
(?) wild cards. Using * matches any number of characters and using ? matches a single character. Using
wild cards can make it easier to handle related objects, provided they follow a suitable naming convention.
For example:
mp3*.obj /* matches anything .obj that begins with mp3 */
task?.o* /* matches task1.obj, task2.obj, taskX.o55, etc. */
SECTIONS
{
.fast_code: { *.obj(*fast*) } > FAST_MEM
.vectors : { vectors.obj(.vector:part1:*) > 0xFFFFFF00
.str_code : { rts*.lib<str*.obj>(.text) } > S1ROM
}
7.4.2 Relocation Capabilities (--absolute_exe and --relocatable Options)

The linker performs relocation, which is the process of adjusting all references to a symbol when the
symbol's address changes. The linker supports two options (--absolute_exe and --relocatable) that allow
you to produce an absolute or a relocatable output module. The linker also supports a third option (-ar)
that allows you to produce an executable, relocatable output module.
When the linker encounters a file that contains no relocation or symbol table information, it issues a
warning message (but continues executing). Relinking an absolute file can be successful only if each input
file contains no information that needs to be relocated (that is, each file has no unresolved references and
is bound to the same virtual address that it was bound to when the linker created it).

7.4.2.1 Producing an Absolute Output Module (--absolute_exe option)

When you use the --absolute_exe option without the --relocatable option, the linker produces an absolute,
executable output module. Absolute files contain no relocation information. Executable files contain the
following:
• Special symbols defined by the linker (see Section 7.13.4)
• An optional header that describes information such as the program entry point
• No unresolved references
The following example links file1.obj and file2.obj and creates an absolute output module called a.out:
cl430 --run_linker --absolute_exe file1.obj file2.obj
The --absolute_exe and --relocatable Options

Note: If you do not use the --absolute_exe or the --relocatable option, the linker acts as if you
specified --absolute_exe.
7.4.2.2 Producing a Relocatable Output Module (--relocatable option)

When you use the -ar option, the linker retains relocation entries in the output module. If the output
module is relocated (at load time) or relinked (by another linker execution), use --relocatable to retain the
relocation entries.
The linker produces a file that is not executable when you use the --relocatable option without the
--absolute_exe option. A file that is not executable does not contain special linker symbols or an optional
header. The file can contain unresolved references, but these references do not prevent creation of an
output module.
This example links file1.obj and file2.obj and creates a relocatable output module called a.out:
cl430 --run_linker --relocatable file1.obj file2.obj
The output file a.out can be relinked with other object files or relocated at load time. (Linking a file that will
be relinked with other files is called partial linking. For more information, see Section 7.16.)
7.4.2.3 Producing an Executable, Relocatable Output Module (-ar Option)

If you invoke the linker with both the --absolute_exe and --relocatable options, the linker produces an
executable, relocatable object module. The output file contains the special linker symbols, an optional
header, and all resolved symbol references; however, the relocation information is retained.
This example links file1.obj and file2.obj and creates an executable, relocatable output module called
xr.out:
cl430 --run_linker -ar file1.obj file2.obj --output_file=xr.out

7.4.3 Allocate Memory for Use by the Loader to Pass Arguments (--arg_size Option)
The --arg_size option instructs the linker to allocate memory to be used by the loader to pass arguments
from the command line of the loader to the program. The syntax of the --arg_size option is:
--arg_size= size
The size is a number representing the number of bytes to be allocated in target memory for command-line
arguments.
By default, the linker creates the __c_args__ symbol and sets it to -1. When you specify --arg_size=size,
the following occur:
• The linker creates an uninitialized section named .args of size bytes.
• The __c_args__ symbol contains the address of the .args section.
The loader and the target boot code use the .args section and the __c_args__ symbol to determine
whether and how to pass arguments from the host to the target program. See the MSP430 Optimizing
C/C++ Compiler User's Guide for information about the loader.
7.4.4 Compress DWARF Information (--compress_dwarf Option)

The --compress_dwarf option aggressively reduces the size of DWARF information by eliminating
duplicate information from input object files. This is the default behavior for COFF object files, and can be
disabled for COFF with the legacy --no_sym_merge option. For ELF object files, the --compress_dwarf
option eliminates duplicate information that could not be removed through the use of ELF COMDAT
groups (see the ELF specification for information on COMDAT groups).
7.4.5 Control Linker Diagnostics

The linker uses certain C/C++ compiler options to control linker-generated diagnostics. The diagnostic
options must be specified before the --run_linker option.
--diag_error=num Categorizes the diagnostic identified by num as an error. To determine the
numeric identifier of a diagnostic message, use the --display_error_number
option first in a separate link. Then use --diag_error=num to recategorize the
diagnostic as an error. You can only alter the severity of discretionary
diagnostics.
--diag_remark=num Categorizes the diagnostic identified by num as a remark. To determine the
option first in a separate link. Then use --diag_remark=num to recategorize
the diagnostic as a remark. You can only alter the severity of discretionary
diagnostics.
--diag_suppress=num Suppresses the diagnostic identified by num. To determine the numeric
identifier of a diagnostic message, use the --display_error_number option first
in a separate link. Then use --diag_suppress=num to suppress the diagnostic.
You can only suppress discretionary diagnostics.
--diag_warning=num Categorizes the diagnostic identified by num as a warning. To determine the
option first in a separate link. Then use --diag_warning=num to recategorize
the diagnostic as a warning. You can only alter the severity of discretionary
diagnostics.

--display_error_number Displays a diagnostic's numeric identifier along with its text. Use this option in
determining which arguments you need to supply to the diagnostic
suppression options (--diag_suppress, --diag_error, --diag_remark, and
--diag_warning). This option also indicates whether a diagnostic is
discretionary. A discretionary diagnostic is one whose severity can be
overridden. A discretionary diagnostic includes the suffix -D; otherwise, no
suffix is present. See the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide
for more information on understanding diagnostic messages.
--issue_remarks Issues remarks (nonserious warnings), which are suppressed by default.
--no_warnings Suppresses warning diagnostics (errors are still issued).
--set_error_limit=num Sets the error limit to num, which can be any decimal value. The linker
abandons linking after this number of errors. (The default is 100.)
--verbose_diagnostics Provides verbose diagnostics that display the original source with line-wrap
and indicate the position of the error in the source line
7.4.6 Disable Automatic Library Selection (--disable_auto_rts Option)

The --disable_auto_rts option disables the automatic selection of a run-time-support library. See the
MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide for details on the automatic selection process.
7.4.7 Disable Conditional Linking (--disable_clink Option)

The --disable_clink option disables removal of unreferenced sections in COFF object modules. Only
sections marked as candidates for removal with the .clink assembler directive are affected by conditional
linking. See Conditionally Leave Section Out of Object Module Output for details on setting up conditional
linking using the .clink directive.
7.4.8 Link Command File Preprocessing (--disable_pp, --define and --undefine Options)
The linker preprocesses link command files using a standard C preprocessor. Therefore, the command
files can contain well-known preprocessing directives such as #define, #include, and #if / #endif.
Three linker options control the preprocessor:
--disable_pp Disables preprocessing for command files
--define=name[=val] Predefines name as a preprocessor macro
--undefine=name Removes the macro name
The compiler has --define and --undefine options with the same meanings. However, the linker options are
distinct; only --define and --undefine options specified after --run_linker are passed to the linker. For
example:
cl430 --define=FOO=1 main.c --run_linker --define=BAR=2 lnk.cmd
The linker sees only the --define for BAR; the compiler only sees the --define for FOO.
When one command file #includes another, preprocessing context is carried from parent to child in the
usual way (that is, macros defined in the parent are visible in the child). However, when a command file is
invoked other than through #include, either on the command line or by the typical way of being named in
another command file, preprocessing context is not carried into the nested file. The exception to this is
--define and --undefine options, which apply globally from the point they are encountered. For example:
--define GLOBAL
#define LOCAL
#include "incfile.cmd" /* sees GLOBAL and LOCAL */

nestfile.cmd /* only sees GLOBAL */

Two cautions apply to the use of --define and --undefine in command files. First, they have global effect as
mentioned above. Second, since they are not actually preprocessing directives themselves, they are
subject to macro substitution, probably with unintended consequences. This effect can be defeated by
quoting the symbol name. For example:
--define MYSYM=123
--undefine MYSYM /* expands to --undefine 123 (!) */
--undefine "MYSYM" /* ahh, that's better */
The linker uses the same search paths to find #include files as it does to find libraries. That is, #include
files are searched in the following places:
1. If the #include file name is in quotes (rather than <brackets>), in the directory of the current file
2. In the list of directories specified with --Iibrary options or environment variables (see Section 7.4.14)
There are two exceptions: relative pathnames (such as "../name") always search the current directory; and
absolute pathnames (such as "/usr/tools/name") bypass search paths entirely.
The linker has the standard built-in definitions for the macros __FILE__, __DATE__, and __TIME__. It
does not, however, have the compiler-specific options for the target (____MSP430____), version
(__TI_COMPILER_VERSION__), run-time model, and so on.
7.4.9 Define an Entry Point (--entry_point Option)

The memory address at which a program begins executing is called the entry point. When a loader loads
a program into target memory , the program counter (PC) must be initialized to the entry point; the PC
then points to the beginning of the program.
The linker can assign one of four values to the entry point. These values are listed below in the order in
which the linker tries to use them. If you use one of the first three values, it must be an external symbol in
the symbol table.
• The value specified by the --entry_point option. The syntax is:
--entry_point= global_symbol
where global_symbol defines the entry point and must be defined as an external symbol of the input
files.
• The value of symbol _c_int00 (if present). The _c_int00 symbol must be the entry point if you are
linking code produced by the C compiler.
• The value of symbol _main (if present)
• 0 (default value)
This example links file1.obj and file2.obj. The symbol begin is the entry point; begin must be defined as
external in file1 or file2.
cl430 --run_linker --entry_point=begin file1.obj file2.obj
7.4.10 Set Default Fill Value (--fill_value Option)

The --fill_value option fills the holes formed within output sections. The syntax for the --fill_value option is:
--fill_value=value
The argument value is a 32-bit constant (up to eight hexadecimal digits). If you do not use --fill_value, the
linker uses 0 as the default fill value.
This example fills holes with the hexadecimal value ABCDABCD:
cl430 --run_linker --fill_value=0xABCDABCD file1.obj file2.obj

7.4.11 Generate List of Dead Functions (--generate_dead_funcs_list Option)

The --generate_dead_funcs_list option creates a list of functions that are never referenced (dead) and
writes the list to the specified file. If no filename is specified, the default filename dead_funcs.txt is used.
The syntax for the option is:
--generate_dead_funcs_list=filename
Refer to the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide for details on the
--generate_dead_funcs_list option.
7.4.12 Using Function Subsections (--gen_func_subsections Option)

When the linker places code into an executable file, it allocates all the functions in a single source file as a
group. This means that if any function in a file needs to be linked into an executable, then all the functions
in the file are linked in. This can be undesirable if a file contains many functions and only a few are
required for an executable.
This situation may exist in libraries where a single file contains multiple functions, but the application only
needs a subset of those functions. An example is a library .obj file that contains a signed divide routine
and an unsigned divide routine. If the application requires only signed division, then only the signed divide
routine is required for linking. By default, both the signed and unsigned routines are linked in since they
exist in the same .obj file.
The --gen_func_subsections compiler option remedies this problem by placing each function in a file in its
own subsection. Thus, only the functions that are referenced in the application are linked into the final
executable. This can result in an overall code size reduction.
7.4.13 Define Heap Size (--heap_size Option)

The C/C++ compiler uses an uninitialized section called .sysmem for the C run-time memory pool used by
malloc(). You can set the size of this memory pool at link time by using the --heap_size option. The syntax
for the --heap_size option is:
--heap_size= size
The size must be a constant. This example defines a 4K byte heap:
cl430 --run_linker --heap_size=0x1000 /* defines a 4k heap (.sysmem section)*/
The linker creates the .sysmem section only if there is a .sysmem section in an input file.
The linker also creates a global symbol __SYSMEM_SIZE and assigns it a value equal to the size of the
heap. The default size is 128 bytes.
For more information about C/C++ linking, see Section 7.17.
7.4.14 Alter the Library Search Algorithm (--library Option, --search_path Option, and
MSP430_C_DIR Environment Variable)
Usually, when you want to specify a file as linker input, you simply enter the filename; the linker looks for
the file in the current directory. For example, suppose the current directory contains the library object.lib.
Assume that this library defines symbols that are referenced in the file file1.obj. This is how you link the
files:
cl430 --run_linker file1.obj object.lib
If you want to use a file that is not in the current directory, use the --library linker option. The --library
option's short form is -l. The syntax for this option is:
--library=[pathname] filename
The filename is the name of an archive, an object file, or link command file. You can specify up to 128
search paths.

The --library option is not required when one or more members of an object library are specified for input
to an output section. For more information about allocating archive members, see Section 7.8.7.
You can augment the linker's directory search algorithm by using the --search_path linker option or the
MSP430_C_DIR environment variable. The linker searches for object libraries and command files in the
following order:
1. It searches directories named with the --search_path linker option. The --search_path option must
appear before the --Iibrary option on the command line or in a command file.
2. It searches directories named with MSP430_C_DIR.
3. If MSP430_C_DIR is not set, it searches directories named with the assembler's MSP430_A_DIR
environment variable.
4. It searches the current directory.
7.4.14.1 Name an Alternate Library Directory (--search_path Option)

The --search_path option names an alternate directory that contains input files. The --search_path option's
short form is -I. The syntax for this option is:
--search_path=pathname
The pathname names a directory that contains input files.
When the linker is searching for input files named with the --library option, it searches through directories
named with --search_path first. Each --search_path option specifies only one directory, but you can have
several --search_path options per invocation. When you use the --search_path option to name an
alternate directory, it must precede any --library option used on the command line or in a command file.
For example, assume that there are two archive libraries called r.lib and lib2.lib. The table below shows
the directories that r.lib and lib2.lib reside in, how to set environment variable, and how to use both
libraries during a link. Select the row for your operating system:
Operating System Pathname Enter
cl430 --run_linker f1.obj f2.obj --search_path=/ld
UNIX (Bourne shell) /ld and /ld2 --search_path=/ld2 --library=r.lib --library=lib2.lib
cl430 --run_linker f1.obj f2.obj --search_path=\ld
Windows \ld and \ld2 --search_path=\ld2 --library=r.lib --library=lib2.lib
7.4.14.2 Name an Alternate Library Directory (MSP430_C_DIR Environment Variable)

An environment variable is a system symbol that you define and assign a string to. The linker uses an
environment variable named MSP430_C_DIR to name alternate directories that contain object libraries.
The command syntaxes for assigning the environment variable are:
UNIX (Bourne shell) MSP430_C_DIR=" pathname1 ; pathname2 ; . . . "; export MSP430_C_DIR
Windows set MSP430_C_DIR= pathname1 ; pathname2 ; . . .
The pathnames are directories that contain input files. Use the --library linker option on the command line
or in a command file to tell the linker which library or link command file to search for. The pathnames must
follow these constraints:
• Pathnames must be separated with a semicolon.
• Spaces or tabs at the beginning or end of a path are ignored. For example the space before and after
the semicolon in the following is ignored:
set MSP430_C_DIR= c:\path\one\to\tools ; c:\path\two\to\tools
• Spaces and tabs are allowed within paths to accommodate Windows directories that contain spaces.
For example, the pathnames in the following are valid:
set MSP430_C_DIR=c:\first path\to\tools;d:\second path\to\tools

In the example below, assume that two archive libraries called r.lib and lib2.lib reside in ld and ld2
directories. The table below shows the directories that r.lib and lib2.lib reside in, how to set the
environment variable, and how to use both libraries during a link. Select the row for your operating system:
Operating System Pathname Invocation Command
MSP430_C_DIR="/ld ;/ld2"; export MSP430_C_DIR; cl430 --run_linker
UNIX (Bourne shell) /ld and /ld2 f1.obj f2.obj --library=r.lib --library=lib2.lib
set MSP430_C_DIR=\ld;\ld2
cl430 --run_linker f1.obj f2.obj --library=r.lib
Windows \ld and \ld2 --library=lib2.lib
The environment variable remains set until you reboot the system or reset the variable by entering:
UNIX (Bourne shell) unset MSP430_C_DIR
Windows set MSP430_C_DIR=
The assembler uses an environment variable named MSP430_A_DIR to name alternate directories that
contain copy/include files or macro libraries. If MSP430_C_DIR is not set, the linker searches for object
libraries in the directories named with MSP430_A_DIR. For information about MSP430_A_DIR, see
Section 3.4.2. For more information about object libraries, see Section 7.6.
7.4.15 Make a Symbol Global (--make_global Option)

The --make_static option makes all global symbols static. If you have a symbol that you want to remain
global and you use the --make_static option, you can use the --make_global option to declare that symbol
to be global. The --make_global option overrides the effect of the --make_static option for the symbol that
you specify. The syntax for the --make_global option is:
--make_global= global_symbol
7.4.16 Make All Global Symbols Static (--make_static Option)

The --make_static option makes all global symbols static. Static symbols are not visible to externally linked
modules. By making global symbols static, global symbols are essentially hidden. This allows external
symbols with the same name (in different files) to be treated as unique.
The --make_static option effectively nullifies all .global assembler directives. All symbols become local to
the module in which they are defined, so no external references are possible. For example, assume
file1.obj and file2.obj both define global symbols called EXT. By using the --make_static option, you can
link these files without conflict. The symbol EXT defined in file1.obj is treated separately from the symbol
EXT defined in file2.obj.
cl430 --run_linker --make_static file1.obj file2.obj
7.4.17 Create a Map File (--map_file Option)

The --map_file option creates a linker map listing and puts it in filename. The syntax for the --map_file
option is:
--map_file= filename
The linker map describes:
• Memory configuration
• Input and output section allocation
• Linker-generated copy tables
• The addresses of external symbols after they have been relocated

The map file contains the name of the output module and the entry point; it can also contain up to three
tables:
• A table showing the new memory configuration if any nondefault memory is specified (memory
configuration). The table has the following columns; this information is generated on the basis of the
information in the MEMORY directive in the link command file:
– Name. This is the name of the memory range specified with the MEMORY directive.
– Origin. This specifies the starting address of a memory range.
– Length. This specifies the length of a memory range.
– Unused. This specifies the total amount of unused (available) memory in that memory area.
– Attributes. This specifies one to four attributes associated with the named range:
R specifies that the memory can be read.
W specifies that the memory can be written to.
X specifies that the memory can contain executable code.
I specifies that the memory can be initialized.
For more information about the MEMORY directive, see Section 7.7.
• A table showing the linked addresses of each output section and the input sections that make up the
output sections (section allocation map). This table has the following columns; this information is
generated on the basis of the information in the SECTIONS directive in the link command file:
– Output section. This is the name of the output section specified with the SECTIONS directive.
– Origin. The first origin listed for each output section is the starting address of that output section.
The indented origin value is the starting address of that portion of the output section.
– Length. The first length listed for each output section is the length of that output section. The
indented length value is the length of that portion of the output section.
– Attributes/input sections. This lists the input file or value associated with an output section. If the
input section could not be allocated, the map file will indicate this with "FAILED TO ALLOCATE".
For more information about the SECTIONS directive, see Section 7.8.
• A table showing each external symbol and its address sorted by symbol name.
• A table showing each external symbol and its address sorted by symbol address.
This following example links file1.obj and file2.obj and creates a map file called map.out:
cl430 --run_linker file1.obj file2.obj --map_file=map.out
Example 7-25 shows an example of a map file.
7.4.18 Managing Map File Contents (--mapfile_contents Option)

The --mapfile_contents option assists with managing the content of linker-generated map files. The syntax
for the --mapfile_contents option is:
--mapfile_contents=filter[, filter]
When the --map_file option is specified, the linker produces a map file containing information about
memory usage, placement information about sections that were created during a link, details about
linker-generated copy tables, and symbol values.
The new --mapfile_contents option provides a mechanism for you to control what information is included in
or excluded from a map file. When you specify --mapfile_contents=help from the command line, a help
screen listing available filter options is displayed.
The following filter options are available:

Attribute Description Default State

copytables Copy tables On
entry Entry point On
load_addr Display load addresses Off
memory Memory ranges On
sections Sections On
sym_defs Defined symbols per file Off
sym_name Symbols sorted by name On
sym_runaddr Symbols sorted by run address On
all Enables all attributes
none Disables all attributes
The --mapfile_contents option controls display filter settings by specifying a comma-delimited list of display
attributes. When prefixed with the word no, an attribute is disabled instead of enabled. For example:
--mapfile_contents=copytables,noentry
--mapfile_contents=all,nocopytables
--mapfile_contents=none,entry
By default, those sections that are currently included in the map file when the --map_file option is specified
are included. The filters specified in the --mapfile_contents options are processed in the order that they
appear in the command line. In the third example above, the first filter, none, clears all map file content.
The second filter, entry, then enables information about entry points to be included in the generated map
file. That is, when --mapfile_contents=none,entry is specified, the map file contains only information about
entry points.
There are two new filters included with the --mapfile_contents option, load_addr and sym_defs. These are
both disabled by default. If you turn on the load_addr filter, the map file includes the load address of
symbols that are included in the symbol list in addition to the run address (if the load address is different
from the run address).
The sym_defs filter can be used to include information about all static and global symbols defined in an
application on a file by file basis. You may find it useful to replace the sym_name and sym_runaddr
sections of the map file with the sym_defs section by specifying the following --mapfile_contents option:
--mapfile_contents=nosym_name,nosym_runaddr,sym_defs
7.4.19 Disable Name Demangling (--no_demangle)

By default, the linker uses demangled symbol names in diagnostics. For example:
undefined symbol first referenced in file
ANewClass::getValue() test.obj
The --no_demangle option disables the demangling of symbol names in diagnostics. For example:
undefined symbol first referenced in file
_ZN9ANewClass8getValueEv test.obj

7.4.20 Disable Merge of Symbolic Debugging Information (--no_sym_merge Option)

By default, the linker eliminates duplicate entries of symbolic debugging information. Such duplicate
information is commonly generated when a C program is compiled for debugging. For example:
-[ header.h ]-
typedef struct
{
<define some structure members>
} XYZ;
-[ f1.c ]-
#include "header.h"
...
-[ f2.c ]-
#include "header.h"
...
When these files are compiled for debugging, both f1.obj and f2.obj have symbolic debugging entries to
describe type XYZ. For the final output file, only one set of these entries is necessary. The linker
eliminates the duplicate entries automatically.
Use the COFF only --no_sym_merge option if you want the linker to keep such duplicate entries in COFF
object files. Using the --no_sym_merge option has the effect of the linker running faster and using less
machine memory.
7.4.21 Strip Symbolic Information (--no_sym_table Option)

The --no_sym_table option creates a smaller output module by omitting symbol table information and line
number entries. The --no_sym_table option is useful for production applications when you do not want to
disclose symbolic information to the consumer.
This example links file1.obj and file2.obj and creates an output module, stripped of line numbers and
symbol table information, named nosym.out:
cl430 --run_linker --output_file=nosym.out --no_sym_table file1.obj file2.obj
Using the --no_sym_table option limits later use of a symbolic debugger.
Stripping Symbolic Information

Note: To remove symbol table information, use the strip430 utility as described in Section 10.4.
The --no_sym_table option is deprecated.
7.4.22 Name an Output Module (--output_file Option)

The linker creates an output module when no errors are encountered. If you do not specify a filename for
the output module, the linker gives it the default name a.out. If you want to write the output module to a
different file, use the --output_file option. The syntax for the --output_file option is:
--output_file= filename
The filename is the new output module name.
This example links file1.obj and file2.obj and creates an output module named run.out:
cl430 --run_linker --output_file=run.out file1.obj file2.obj

7.4.23 C Language Options (--ram_model and --rom_model Options)

The --ram_model and --rom_model options cause the linker to use linking conventions that are required by
the C compiler.
• The --ram_model option tells the linker to initialize variables at load time.
• The --rom_model option tells the linker to autoinitialize variables at run time.
For more information, see Section 7.17, Section 7.17.4, and Section 7.17.5.
7.4.24 Exhaustively Read and Search Libraries (--reread_libs and --priority Options)
There are two ways to exhaustively search for unresolved symbols:
• Reread libraries if you cannot resolve a symbol reference (--reread_libs).
• Search libraries in the order that they are specified (--priority).
The linker normally reads input files, including archive libraries, only once when they are encountered on
the command line or in the command file. When an archive is read, any members that resolve references
to undefined symbols are included in the link. If an input file later references a symbol defined in a
previously read archive library, the reference is not resolved.
With the --reread_libs option, you can force the linker to reread all libraries. The linker rereads libraries
until no more references can be resolved. Linking using --reread_libs may be slower, so you should use it
only as needed. For example, if a.lib contains a reference to a symbol defined in b.lib, and b.lib contains a
reference to a symbol defined in a.lib, you can resolve the mutual dependencies by listing one of the
libraries twice, as in:
cl430 --run_linker --library=a.lib --library=b.lib --library=a.lib
or you can force the linker to do it for you:

cl430 --run_linker -reread_libs --library=a.lib --library=b.lib
The --priority option provides an alternate search mechanism for libraries. Using --priority causes each
unresolved reference to be satisfied by the first library that contains a definition for that symbol. For
example:
objfile references A
lib1 defines B
lib2 defines A, B; obj defining A references B
% cl430 --run_linker objfile lib1 lib2
Under the existing model, objfile resolves its reference to A in lib2, pulling in a reference to B, which
resolves to the B in lib2.
Under --priority, objfile resolves its reference to A in lib2, pulling in a reference to B, but now B is resolved
by searching the libraries in order and resolves B to the first definition it finds, namely the one in lib1.
The --priority option is useful for libraries that provide overriding definitions for related sets of functions in
other libraries without having to provide a complete version of the whole library.
For example, suppose you want to override versions of malloc and free defined in the rts430.lib without
providing a full replacement for rts430.lib. Using --priority and linking your new library before rts430.lib
guarantees that all references to malloc and free resolve to the new library.
The --priority option is intended to support linking programs with DSP/BIOS where situations like the one
illustrated above occur.
7.4.25 Create an Absolute Listing File (--run_abs Option)

The --run_abs option produces an output file for each file that was linked. These files are named with the
input filenames and an extension of .abs. Header files, however, do not generate a corresponding .abs
file.

7.4.26 Scan All Libraries for Duplicate Symbol Definitions (--scan_libraries)

The --scan_libraries option scans all libraries during a link looking for duplicate symbol definitions to those
symbols that are actually included in the link. The scan does not consider absolute symbols or symbols
defined in COMDAT sections. The --scan_libraries option helps determine those symbols that were
actually chosen by the linker over other existing definitions of the same symbol in a library.
The library scanning feature can be used to check against unintended resolution of a symbol reference to
a definition when multiple definitions are available in the libraries.
7.4.27 Define Stack Size (--stack_size Option)

The MSP430 C/C++ compiler uses an uninitialized section, .stack, to allocate space for the run-time stack.
You can set the size of this section in bytes at link time with the --stack_size option. The syntax for the
--stack_size option is:
--stack_size= size
The size must be a constant and is in bytes. This example defines a 4K byte stack:
cl430 --run_linker --stack_size=0x1000 /* defines a 4K stack (.stack section) */
If you specified a different stack size in an input section, the input section stack size is ignored. Any
symbols defined in the input section remain valid; only the stack size is different.
When the linker defines the .stack section, it also defines a global symbol, __STACK_SIZE, and assigns it
a value equal to the size of the section. The default software stack size is 128 bytes.
7.4.28 Enforce Strict Compatibility (--strict_compatibility Option)

The linker performs more conservative and rigorous compatibility checking of input object files when you
specify the --strict_compatibility option. Using this option guards against additional potential compatibility
issues, but may signal false compatibility errors when linking in object files built with an older toolset (prior
to 3.0), or with object files built with another compiler vendor's toolset. To avoid issues with legacy
libraries, the --strict_compatibility option is turned off by default.
7.4.29 Mapping of Symbols (--symbol_map Option)

Symbol mapping allows a symbol reference to be resolved by a symbol with a different name. Symbol
mapping allows functions to be overridden with alternate definitions. This feature can be used to patch in
alternate implementations, which provide patches (bug fixes) or alternate functionality. The syntax for the
--symbol_map option is:
--symbol_map=refname=defname
For example, the following code makes the linker resolve any references to foo by the definition
foo_patch:
--symbol_map='foo=foo_patch'
7.4.30 Introduce an Unresolved Symbol (--undef_sym Option)

The --undef_sym option introduces an unresolved symbol into the linker's symbol table. This forces the
linker to search a library and include the member that defines the symbol. The linker must encounter the
--undef_sym option before it links in the member that defines the symbol. The syntax for the --undef_sym
option is:
--undef_sym= symbol
For example, suppose a library named rts430.lib contains a member that defines the symbol symtab; none
of the object files being linked reference symtab. However, suppose you plan to relink the output module
and you want to include the library member that defines symtab in this link. Using the --undef_sym option
as shown below forces the linker to search rts430.lib for the member that defines symtab and to link in the
member.
cl430 --run_linker --undef_sym=symtab file1.obj file2.obj rts430.lib

If you do not use --undef_sym, this member is not included, because there is no explicit reference to it in
file1.obj or file2.obj.
7.4.31 Replace Multiply Routine With Hardware Multiplier Routine (--use_hw_mpy)

There are two versions of each multiply routine included in the run-time library. By default the compiler
generates references to the version that does not use the hardware multiplier peripheral that is available
on some versions of the MSP430 device. When compiling for a device where the hardware multiplier is
available, use the --use_hw_mpy linker option. The syntax for the --use_hw_mpy option is:
--use_hw_mpy[={16|32|F5}]
The --use_hw_mpy option causes the linker to replace all references to the default multiply routine with
the version of the multiply routine that uses the hardware multiplier support. The optional argument
indicates which version of the hardware multiply is being used and must be one of the following:
16 16-bit hardware multiplier (default)
32 F4xxx 32-bit hardware multiplier
F5 F5xxx 32-bit hardware multiplier
For more information regarding the hardware multiplier, see the MSP430x1xx Family User’s Guide, the
MSP430x3xx Family User’s Guide, and the MSP430x4xx Family User’s Guide.
7.4.32 Display a Message When an Undefined Output Section Is Created (--warn_sections

Option)
In a link command file, you can set up a SECTIONS directive that describes how input sections are
combined into output sections. However, if the linker encounters one or more input sections that do not
have a corresponding output section defined in the SECTIONS directive, the linker combines the input
sections that have the same name into an output section with that name. By default, the linker does not
display a message to tell you that this occurred.
You can use the --warn_sections option to cause the linker to display a message when it creates a new
output section.
For more information about the SECTIONS directive, see Section 7.8. For more information about the
default actions of the linker, see Section 7.12.
7.4.33 Generate XML Link Information File (--xml_link_info Option)

The linker supports the generation of an XML link information file through the --xml_link_info=file option.
This option causes the linker to generate a well-formed XML file containing detailed information about the
result of a link. The information included in this file includes all of the information that is currently produced
in a linker generated map file.
See Appendix B for specifics on the contents of the generated XML file.

Linker Command Files www.ti.com
7.5 Linker Command Files
Linker command files allow you to put linking information in a file; this is useful when you invoke the linker
often with the same information. Linker command files are also useful because they allow you to use the
MEMORY and SECTIONS directives to customize your application. You must use these directives in a
command file; you cannot use them on the command line.
Linker command files are ASCII files that contain one or more of the following:
• Input filenames, which specify object files, archive libraries, or other command files. (If a command file
calls another command file as input, this statement must be the last statement in the calling command
file. The linker does not return from called command files.)
• Linker options, which can be used in the command file in the same manner that they are used on the
command line
• The MEMORY and SECTIONS linker directives. The MEMORY directive defines the target memory
configuration (see Section 7.7). The SECTIONS directive controls how sections are built and allocated
(see Section 7.8.)
• Assignment statements, which define and assign values to global symbols
To invoke the linker with a command file, enter the cl430 --run_linker command and follow it with the
name of the command file:
cl430 --run_linker command_filename
The linker processes input files in the order that it encounters them. If the linker recognizes a file as an
object file, it links the file. Otherwise, it assumes that a file is a command file and begins reading and
processing commands from it. Command filenames are case sensitive, regardless of the system used.
Example 7-1 shows a sample link command file called link.cmd.
Example 7-1. Linker Command File
a.obj /* First input filename */

b.obj /* Second input filename */
--output_file=prog.out /* Option to specify output file */
--map_file=prog.map /* Option to specify map file */
The sample file in Example 7-1 contains only filenames and options. (You can place comments in a
command file by delimiting them with /* and */.) To invoke the linker with this command file, enter:
cl430 --run_linker link.cmd
You can place other parameters on the command line when you use a command file:
cl430 --run_linker --relocatable link.cmd c.obj d.obj
The linker processes the command file as soon as it encounters the filename, so a.obj and b.obj are
linked into the output module before c.obj and d.obj.
You can specify multiple command files. If, for example, you have a file called names.lst that contains
filenames and another file called dir.cmd that contains linker directives, you could enter:
cl430 --run_linker names.lst dir.cmd
One command file can call another command file; this type of nesting is limited to 16 levels. If a command
file calls another command file as input, this statement must be the last statement in the calling command
file.

www.ti.com Linker Command Files
Blanks and blank lines are insignificant in a command file except as delimiters. This also applies to the
format of linker directives in a command file. Example 7-2 shows a sample command file that contains
linker directives.
Example 7-2. Command File With Linker Directives
a.obj b.obj c.obj /* Input filenames */

--output_file=prog.out /* Options */
--map_file=prog.map
MEMORY /* MEMORY directive */

{
RAM: origin = 0x0200 length = 0x0100
EXT_MEM: origin = 0x1000 length = 0x1000
}
SECTIONS /* SECTIONS directive */

{
.text: > EXT_MEM
.data: > EXT_MEM
.bss: > RAM
}
For more information, see Section 7.7 for the MEMORY directive, and Section 7.8 for the SECTIONS
directive.
7.5.1 Reserved Names in Linker Command Files

The following names are reserved as keywords for linker directives. Do not use them as symbol or section
names in a command file.
align DSECT len o run
ALIGN f length org RUN
attr fill LENGTH origin SECTIONS
ATTR FILL load ORIGIN spare
block group LOAD range type
BLOCK GROUP MEMORY page TYPE
COPY l (lowercase L) NOLOAD PAGE UNION
7.5.2 Constants in Linker Command Files

You can specify constants with either of two syntax schemes: the scheme used for specifying decimal,
octal, or hexadecimal constants used in the assembler (see Section 3.6) or the scheme used for integer
constants in C syntax.
Examples:
Format Decimal Octal Hexadecimal
Assembler format 32 40q 020h
C format 32 040 0x20

Object Libraries www.ti.com
7.6 Object Libraries

An object library is a partitioned archive file that contains object files as members. Usually, a group of
related modules are grouped together into a library. When you specify an object library as linker input, the
linker includes any members of the library that define existing unresolved symbol references. You can use
the archiver to build and maintain libraries. Chapter 6 contains more information about the archiver.
Using object libraries can reduce link time and the size of the executable module. Normally, if an object
file that contains a function is specified at link time, the file is linked whether the function is used or not;
however, if that same function is placed in an archive library, the file is included only if the function is
referenced.
The order in which libraries are specified is important, because the linker includes only those members
that resolve symbols that are undefined at the time the library is searched. The same library can be
specified as often as necessary; it is searched each time it is included. Alternatively, you can use the
--reread_libs option to reread libraries until no more references can be resolved (see Section 7.4.24). A
library has a table that lists all external symbols defined in the library; the linker searches through the table
until it determines that it cannot use the library to resolve any more references.
The following examples link several files and libraries, using these assumptions:
• Input files f1.obj and f2.obj both reference an external function named clrscr.
• Input file f1.obj references the symbol origin.
• Input file f2.obj references the symbol fillclr.
• Member 0 of library libc.lib contains a definition of origin.
• Member 3 of library liba.lib contains a definition of fillclr.
• Member 1 of both libraries defines clrscr.
If you enter:
cl430 --run_linker f1.obj f2.obj liba.lib libc.lib
then:
• Member 1 of liba.lib satisfies the f1.obj and f2.obj references to clrscr because the library is searched
and the definition of clrscr is found.
• Member 0 of libc.lib satisfies the reference to origin.
• Member 3 of liba.lib satisfies the reference to fillclr.
If, however, you enter:
cl430 --run_linker fl.obj f2.obj libc.lib liba.lib
then the references to clrscr are satisfied by member 1 of libc.lib.

If none of the linked files reference symbols defined in a library, you can use the --undef_sym option to
force the linker to include a library member. (See Section 7.4.30.) The next example creates an undefined
symbol rout1 in the linker's global symbol table:
cl430 --run_linker --undef_sym=rout1 libc.lib
If any member of libc.lib defines rout1, the linker includes that member.
Library members are allocated according to the SECTIONS directive default allocation algorithm; see
Section 7.8.
Section 7.4.14 describes methods for specifying directories that contain object libraries.

www.ti.com The MEMORY Directive
7.7 The MEMORY Directive

The linker determines where output sections are allocated into memory; it must have a model of target
memory to accomplish this. The MEMORY directive allows you to specify a model of target memory so
that you can define the types of memory your system contains and the address ranges they occupy. The
linker maintains the model as it allocates output sections and uses it to determine which memory locations
can be used for object code.
The memory configurations of MSP430 systems differ from application to application. The MEMORY
directive allows you to specify a variety of configurations. After you use MEMORY to define a memory
model, you can use the SECTIONS directive to allocate output sections into defined memory.
For more information, see Section 2.3 and Section 2.4.
7.7.1 Default Memory Model

The assembler inserts a field in the output file's header, identifying the MSP430 device. The linker reads
this information from the object file's header. If you do not use the MEMORY directive, the linker uses a
default memory model specific to the named device. For more information about the default memory
model, see Section 7.12
7.7.2 MEMORY Directive Syntax

The MEMORY directive identifies ranges of memory that are physically present in the target system and
can be used by a program. Each range has several characteristics:
• Name
• Starting address
• Length
• Optional set of attributes
• Optional fill specification
When you use the MEMORY directive, be sure to identify all memory ranges that are available for loading
code. Memory defined by the MEMORY directive is configured; any memory that you do not explicitly
account for with MEMORY is unconfigured. The linker does not place any part of a program into
unconfigured memory. You can represent nonexistent memory spaces by simply not including an address
range in a MEMORY directive statement.
The MEMORY directive is specified in a command file by the word MEMORY (uppercase), followed by a
list of memory range specifications enclosed in braces. The MEMORY directive in Example 7-3 defines a
system that has 0xEEE0 bytes of flash memory at address 0x1100 and 0x0800 bytes of RAM at address
0x0200.
Example 7-3. The MEMORY Directive
/*******************************************************/
/* Sample command file with MEMORY directive */
/*******************************************************/
file1.obj file2.obj /* Input files */
--output_file=prog.out /* Options */
MEMORY
{
FLASH (RX): origin = 0x1100 length = 0xEEE0
RAM (RX): origin = 0x0200 length = 0x0800
}

The MEMORY Directive www.ti.com
The general syntax for the MEMORY directive is:

MEMORY
{
name 1 [(attr)] : origin = constant, length = constant [, fill = constant]
.
.
name n [(attr)] : origin = constant, length = constant [, fill = constant]
}
name names a memory range. A memory name can be one to 64 characters; valid characters
include A-Z, a-z, $, ., and _. The names have no special significance to the linker; they
simply identify memory ranges. Memory range names are internal to the linker and are not
retained in the output file or in the symbol table. All memory ranges must have unique
names and must not overlap.
attr specifies one to four attributes associated with the named range. Attributes are optional;
when used, they must be enclosed in parentheses. Attributes restrict the allocation of
output sections into certain memory ranges. If you do not use any attributes, you can
allocate any output section into any range with no restrictions. Any memory for which no
attributes are specified (including all memory in the default model) has all four attributes.
Valid attributes are:
R specifies that the memory can be read.
W specifies that the memory can be written to.
X specifies that the memory can contain executable code.
I specifies that the memory can be initialized.
origin specifies the starting address of a memory range; enter as origin, org, or o. The value,
specified in bytes, is a 16-bit constant and can be decimal, octal, or hexadecimal.
length specifies the length of a memory range; enter as length, len, or l. The value, specified in
bytes, is a 32-bit constant and can be decimal, octal, or hexadecimal.
fill specifies a fill character for the memory range; enter as fill or f. Fills are optional. The value
is a integer constant and can be decimal, octal, or hexadecimal. The fill value is used to fill
areas of the memory range that are not allocated to a section.
Filling Memory Ranges

Note: If you specify fill values for large memory ranges, your output file will be very large because
filling a memory range (even with 0s) causes raw data to be generated for all unallocated
blocks of memory in the range.
The following example specifies a memory range with the R and W attributes and a fill constant of
0FFFFh:
MEMORY
{
RFILE (RW) : o = 0x0020h, l = 0x1000, f = 0x0FFFF
}
You normally use the MEMORY directive in conjunction with the SECTIONS directive to control allocation
of output sections. After you use MEMORY to specify the target system's memory model, you can use
SECTIONS to allocate output sections into specific named memory ranges or into memory that has
specific attributes. For example, you could allocate the .text and .data sections into the area named
FLASH and allocate the .bss section into the area named RAM.

www.ti.com The SECTIONS Directive
7.8 The SECTIONS Directive
The SECTIONS directive controls your sections in the following ways:

• Describes how input sections are combined into output sections
• Defines output sections in the executable program
• Specifies where output sections are placed in memory (in relation to each other and to the entire
memory space)
• Permits renaming of output sections
For more information, see Section 2.3, Section 2.4, and Section 2.2.4. Subsections allow you to
manipulate sections with greater precision.
If you do not specify a SECTIONS directive, the linker uses a default algorithm for combining and
allocating the sections. Section 7.12, describes this algorithm in detail.
7.8.1 SECTIONS Directive Syntax

The SECTIONS directive is specified in a command file by the word SECTIONS (uppercase), followed by
a list of output section specifications enclosed in braces.
The general syntax for the SECTIONS directive is:
SECTIONS
{
name : [property [, property] [, property] . . . ]
}
Each section specification, beginning with name, defines an output section. (An output section is a section
in the output file.) A section name can be a subsection specification. (See Section 7.8.4 for information on
multi-level subsections.) After the section name is a list of properties that define the section's contents and
how the section is allocated. The properties can be separated by optional commas. Possible properties for
a section are as follows:
• Load allocation defines where in memory the section is to be loaded.

Syntax: load = allocation or
allocation or
> allocation
• Run allocation defines where in memory the section is to be run.
Syntax: run = allocation or
run > allocation
• Input sections defines the input sections (object files) that constitute the output section.
Syntax: { input_sections }
• Section type defines flags for special section types.
Syntax: type = COPY or
type = DSECT or

The SECTIONS Directive www.ti.com
type = NOLOAD
See Section 7.11.
• Fill value defines the value used to fill uninitialized holes.
Syntax: fill = value or
name : [properties =
value]
See Section 7.14.
Example 7-4 shows a SECTIONS directive in a sample link command file.
Example 7-4. The SECTIONS Directive
/*******************************************************/
/* Sample command file with SECTIONS directive */
/*******************************************************/
file1.obj file2.obj /* Input files */
--output_file=progr.out /* Options */
SECTIONS
{
.bss : load = RAM
.text : load = FLASH

.const : load = FLASH
.vectors : load = 0xFFE0

{
t1.obj (.intvec1)
t2.obj (.intvec2)
}
.data:alpha : align = 16
.data:beta : align = 16
}
Figure 7-2 shows the six output sections defined by the SECTIONS directive in Example 7-4 (.vectors,
.text, .const, .bss, .data:alpha, and .data:beta) and shows how these sections are allocated in memory.

Figure 7-2. Section Allocation Defined by Example 7-4

0x0000 SFR/peripherals
0x0200
RAM
.bss – Allocated in The .bss section combines the .bss sections from
RAM file1.obj and file2.obj.
.data:alpha – Aligned on The .data:alpha subsection combines the

16-byte .data:alpha subsections from file1.obj and file2.obj.
boundary
.data:beta – Aligned on The .data:beta subsection combines the .data:beta

16-byte subsections from file1.obj and file2.obj. The link step
boundary places the subsections anywhere there is space for
them (in RAM in this illustration) and aligns each
on a 16-byte boundary.
0x1110
FLASH
.text – Allocated in The .text section combines the .text sections from
FLASH file1.obj and file2.obj. The link step combines all
sections named .text into this section.
.const – Allocated in The .const section combines the .const sections

FLASH from file1.obj and file2.obj.
0xFFE0
.vectors – Bound at The .vectors section is composed of the .intvec1
0xFFE0 section from t1.obj and the .intvec2 section from
t2.obj.
0xFFFF
7.8.2 Allocation
The linker assigns each output section two locations in target memory: the location where the section will
be loaded and the location where it will be run. Usually, these are the same, and you can think of each
section as having only a single address. The process of locating the output section in the target's memory
and assigning its address(es) is called allocation. For more information about using separate load and run
allocation, see Section 7.9.
If you do not tell the linker how a section is to be allocated, it uses a default algorithm to allocate the
section. Generally, the linker puts sections wherever they fit into configured memory. You can override this
default allocation for a section by defining it within a SECTIONS directive and providing instructions on
how to allocate it.
You control allocation by specifying one or more allocation parameters. Each parameter consists of a
keyword, an optional equal sign or greater-than sign, and a value optionally enclosed in parentheses. If
load and run allocation are separate, all parameters following the keyword LOAD apply to load allocation,
and those following the keyword RUN apply to run allocation. The allocation parameters are:
Binding allocates a section at a specific address.
.text: load = 0x1000
Named memory allocates the section into a range defined in the MEMORY directive with the specified
name (like SLOW_MEM) or attributes.
.text: load > SLOW_MEM

Alignment uses the align or palign keyword to specify that the section must start on an address
boundary.
.text: align = 0x100
Blocking uses the block keyword to specify that the section must fit between two address
boundaries: if the section is too big, it starts on an address boundary.
.text: block(0x100)
For the load (usually the only) allocation, you can simply use a greater-than sign and omit the load
keyword:
text: > SLOW_MEM .text: {...} > SLOW_MEM
.text: > 0x4000
If more than one parameter is used, you can string them together as follows:
.text: > SLOW_MEM align 16
Or if you prefer, use parentheses for readability:

.text: load = (SLOW_MEM align(16))
You can also use an input section specification to identify the sections from input files that are combined
to form an output section. See Section 7.8.3.
7.8.2.1 Binding
You can supply a specific starting address for an output section by following the section name with an
address:
.text: 0x00001000
This example specifies that the .text section must begin at location 0x1000. The binding address must be
a 16-bit constant.
Output sections can be bound anywhere in configured memory (assuming there is enough space), but
they cannot overlap. If there is not enough space to bind a section to a specified address, the linker issues
an error message.
Binding is Incompatible With Alignment and Named Memory

Note: You cannot bind a section to an address if you use alignment or named memory. If you try to
do this, the linker issues an error message.
7.8.2.2 Named Memory

You can allocate a section into a memory range that is defined by the MEMORY directive (see
Section 7.7). This example names ranges and links sections into them:
MEMORY
{
SLOW_MEM (RIX) : origin = 0x00000000, length = 0x00001000
FAST_MEM (RWIX) : origin = 0x30000000, length = 0x00000300
}
SECTIONS
{
.text : > SLOW_MEM
.data : > FAST_MEM ALIGN(128)
.bss : > FAST_MEM
}
In this example, the linker places .text into the area called SLOW_MEM. The .data and .bss output
sections are allocated into FAST_MEM. You can align a section within a named memory range; the .data
section is aligned on a 128-byte boundary within the FAST_MEM range.

Similarly, you can link a section into an area of memory that has particular attributes. To do this, specify a
set of attributes (enclosed in parentheses) instead of a memory name. Using the same MEMORY directive
declaration, you can specify:
SECTIONS
{
.text: > (X) /* .text --> executable memory */
.data: > (RI) /* .data --> read or init memory */
.bss : > (RW) /* .bss --> read or write memory */
}
In this example, the .text output section can be linked into either the SLOW_MEM or FAST_MEM area
because both areas have the X attribute. The .data section can also go into either SLOW_MEM or
FAST_MEM because both areas have the R and I attributes. The .bss output section, however, must go
into the FAST_MEM area because only FAST_MEM is declared with the W attribute.
You cannot control where in a named memory range a section is allocated, although the linker uses lower
memory addresses first and avoids fragmentation when possible. In the preceding examples, assuming no
conflicting assignments exist, the .text section starts at address 0. If a section must start on a specific
address, use binding instead of named memory.
7.8.2.3 Controlling Allocation Using The HIGH Location Specifier

The linker allocates output sections from low to high addresses within a designated memory range by
default. Alternatively, you can cause the linker to allocate a section from high to low addresses within a
memory range by using the HIGH location specifier in the SECTION directive declaration.
For example, given this MEMORY directive:
MEMORY
{
RAM : origin = 0x0200, length = 0x0800
FLASH : origin = 0x1100, length = 0xEEE0
VECTORS : origin = 0xFFE0, length = 0x001E
RESET : origin = 0xFFFE, length = 0x0002
}
and an accompanying SECTIONS directive:

SECTIONS
{
.bss : {} > RAM
.sysmem : {} > RAM
.stack : {} > RAM (HIGH)
}
The HIGH specifier used on the .stack section allocation causes the linker to attempt to allocate .stack into
the higher addresses within the RAM memory range. The .bss and .sysmem sections are allocated into
the lower addresses within RAM. Example 7-5 illustrates a portion of a map file that shows where the
given sections are allocated within RAM for a typical program.
Example 7-5. Linker Allocation With the HIGH Specifier
.bss 0 00000200 00000270 UNINITIALIZED

00000200 0000011a rtsxxx.lib : defs.obj (.bss)
0000031a 00000088 : trgdrv.obj (.bss)
000003a2 00000078 : lowlev.obj (.bss)
0000041a 00000046 : exit.obj (.bss)
00000460 00000008 : memory.obj (.bss)
00000468 00000004 : _lock.obj (.bss)
0000046c 00000002 : fopen.obj (.bss)
0000046e 00000002 hello.obj (.bss)
.sysmem 0 00000470 00000120 UNINITIALIZED

00000470 00000004 rtsxxx .lib : memory.obj (.sysmem)
.stack 0 000008c0 00000140 UNINITIALIZED

000008c0 00000002 rtsxxx .lib : boot.obj (.stack)

As shown in Example 7-5 , the .bss and .sysmem sections are allocated at the lower addresses of RAM
(0x0200 - 0x0590) and the .stack section is allocated at address 0x08c0, even though lower addresses
are available.
Without using the HIGH specifier, the linker allocation would have resulted in the code shown in Example
7-6
The HIGH specifier is ignored if it is used with specific address binding or automatic section splitting (>>
operator).
Example 7-6. Linker Allocation Without HIGH Specifier

00000200 0000011a rtsxxx.lib : defs.obj (.bss)
0000031a 00000088 : trgdrv.obj (.bss)
000003a2 00000078 : lowlev.obj (.bss)
0000041a 00000046 : exit.obj (.bss)
00000460 00000008 : memory.obj (.bss)
00000468 00000004 : _lock.obj (.bss)
0000046c 00000002 : fopen.obj (.bss)
0000046e 00000002 hello.obj (.bss)
.stack 0 00000470 00000140 UNINITIALIZED

00000470 00000002 rtsxxx.lib : boot.obj (.stack)
.sysmem 0 000005b0 00000120 UNINITIALIZED

000005b0 00000004 rtsxxx.lib : memory.obj (.sysmem)
7.8.2.4 Alignment and Blocking

You can tell the linker to place an output section at an address that falls on an n-byte boundary, where n
is a power of 2, by using the align keyword. For example, the following code allocates .text so that it falls
on a 32-byte boundary:
.text: load = align(32)
You can specify the same alignment with the palign keyword. In addition, palign ensures the section's size
is a multiple of its placement alignment restrictions, padding the section size up to such a boundary, as
needed.
Blocking is a weaker form of alignment that allocates a section anywhere within a block of size n. The
specified block size must be a power of 2. For example, the following code allocates .bss so that the entire
section is contained in a single 128-byte page or begins on that boundary.:
bss: load = block(0x0080)
You can use alignment or blocking alone or in conjunction with a memory area, but alignment and
blocking cannot be used together.
7.8.2.5 Alignment With Padding

As with align, you can tell the linker to place an output section at an address that falls on an n-byte
boundary, where n is a power of 2, by using the palign keyword. In addition, palign ensures that the size
of the section is a multiple of its placement alignment restrictions, padding the section size up to such a
boundary, as needed.
For example, the following code lines allocate .text on a 2-byte boundary within the PMEM area. The .text
section size is guaranteed to be a multiple of 2 bytes. Both statements are equivalent:
.text: palign(2) {} > PMEM
.text: palign = 2 {} > PMEM
If the linker adds padding to an initialized output section then the padding space is also initialiized. By
default, padding space is filled with a value of 0 (zero). However, if a fill value is specified for the output
section then any padding for the section is also filled with that fill value.

For example, consider the following section specification:
.mytext: palign(8), fill = 0xffffffff {} > PMEM
In this example, the length of the .mytext section is 6 bytes before the palign operator is applied. The
contents of .mytext are as follows:
addr content
---- -------
0000 0x1234
0002 0x1234
0004 0x1234
After the palign operator is applied, the length of .mytext is 8 bytes, and its contents are as follows:
addr content
---- -------
0000 0x1234
0002 0x1234
0004 0x1234
0006 0xffff
The size of .mytext has been bumped to a multiple of 8 bytes and the padding created by the linker has
been filled with 0xff.
The fill value specified in the linker command file is interpreted as a 16-bit constant, so if you specify this
code:
.mytext: palign(8), fill = 0xff {} > PMEM
The fill value assumed by the linker is 0x00ff, and .mytext will then have the following contents:
addr content
---- -------
0000 0x1234
0002 0x1234
0004 0x1234
0006 0xffff
0008 0x00ff
000a 0x00ff
If the palign operator is applied to an uninitialized section, then the size of the section is bumped to the
appropriate boundary, as needed, but any padding created is not initialized.
7.8.3 Specifying Input Sections

An input section specification identifies the sections from input files that are combined to form an output
section. In general, the linker combines input sections by concatenating them in the order in which they
are specified. However, if alignment or blocking is specified for an input section, all of the input sections
within the output section are ordered as follows:
• All aligned sections, from largest to smallest
• All blocked sections, from largest to smallest
• All other sections, from largest to smallest
The size of an output section is the sum of the sizes of the input sections that it comprises.
Example 7-7 shows the most common type of section specification; note that no input sections are listed.
Example 7-7. The Most Common Method of Specifying Section Contents
SECTIONS
{
.text:
.data:
.bss:
}

In Example 7-7, the linker takes all the .text sections from the input files and combines them into the .text
output section. The linker concatenates the .text input sections in the order that it encounters them in the
input files. The linker performs similar operations with the .data and .bss sections. You can use this type of
specification for any output section.
You can explicitly specify the input sections that form an output section. Each input section is identified by
its filename and section name:
SECTIONS
{
.text : /* Build .text output section */
{
f1.obj(.text) /* Link .text section from f1.obj */
f2.obj(sec1) /* Link sec1 section from f2.obj */
f3.obj /* Link ALL sections from f3.obj */
f4.obj(.text,sec2) /* Link .text and sec2 from f4.obj */
}
}
It is not necessary for input sections to have the same name as each other or as the output section they
become part of. If a file is listed with no sections,all of its sections are included in the output section. If any
additional input sections have the same name as an output section but are not explicitly specified by the
SECTIONS directive, they are automatically linked in at the end of the output section. For example, if the
linker found more .text sections in the preceding example and these .text sections were not specified
anywhere in the SECTIONS directive, the linker would concatenate these extra sections after f4.obj(sec2).
The specifications in Example 7-7 are actually a shorthand method for the following:
SECTIONS
{
.text: { *(.text) }
.data: { *(.data) }
.bss: { *(.bss) }
}
The specification *(.text) means the unallocated .text sections from all the input files. This format is useful
when:
• You want the output section to contain all input sections that have a specified name, but the output
section name is different from the input sections' name.
• You want the linker to allocate the input sections before it processes additional input sections or
commands within the braces.
The following example illustrates the two purposes above:
SECTIONS
{
.text : {
abc.obj(xqt)
*(.text)
}
.data : {
*(.data)
fil.obj(table)
}
}
In this example, the .text output section contains a named section xqt from file abc.obj, which is followed
by all the .text input sections. The .data section contains all the .data input sections, followed by a named
section table from the file fil.obj. This method includes all the unallocated sections. For example, if one of
the .text input sections was already included in another output section when the linker encountered
*(.text), the linker could not include that first .text input section in the second output section.

7.8.4 Using Multi-Level Subsections

Originally, subsections were identified with the base section name and a subsection name separated by a
colon. For example, A:B names a subsection of the base section A. In certain places in a link command
file specifying a base name, such as A, selects the section A as well as any subsections of A, such as A:B
or A:C.
This concept has been extended to include multiple levels of subsection naming. The original constraints
are still true, but a name such as A:B can be used to specify a (sub)section of that name as well as any
(multi-level) subsections beginning with that name, such as A:B:C, A:B:OTHER, etc. All the subsections of
A:B are also subsections of A. A and A:B are supersections of A:B:C. Among a group of supersections of
a subsection, the nearest supersection is the supersection with the longest name. Thus, among {A, A:B}
the nearest supersection of A:B:C:D is A:B.
With multiple levels of subsections, the constraints are the following:
1. When specifying input sections within a file (or library unit) the section name selects an input section
of the same name and any subsections of that name.
2. Input sections that are not explicitly allocated are allocated in an existing output section of the same
name or in the nearest existing supersection of such an output section. An exception to this rule is that
during a partial link (specified by the --relocatable linker option) a subsection is allocated only to an
existing output section of the same name.
3. If no such output section described in 2) is defined, the input section is put in a newly created output
section with the same name as the base name of the input section
Consider linking input sections with the following names:
europe:north:norway europe:central:france europe:south:spain
europe:north:sweden europe:central:germany europe:south:italy
europe:north:finland europe:central:denmark europe:south:malta
europe:north:iceland
This SECTIONS specification allocates the input sections as indicated in the comments:
SECTIONS {
nordic: {*(europe:north)
*(europe:central:denmark)} /* the nordic countries */
central: {*(europe:central)} /* france, germany */
therest: {*(europe)} /* spain, italy, malta */
}
This SECTIONS specification allocates the input sections as indicated in the comments:
SECTIONS {
islands: {*(europe:south:malta)
*(europe:north:iceland)} /* malta, iceland */
europe:north:finland : {} /* finland */
europe:north : {} /* norway, sweden */
europe:central : {} /* germany, denmark */
europe:central:france: {} /* france */
/* (italy, spain) go into a linker-generated output section "europe" */

}
Upward Compatibility of Multi-Level Subsections

Note: Existing linker commands that use the existing single-level subsection features and which do
not contain section names containing multiple colon characters continue to behave as
before. However, if section names in a link command file or in the input sections supplied to
the linker contain multiple colon characters, some change in behavior could be possible. You
should carefully consider the impact of the new rules for multiple levels to see if it affects a
particular system link.

7.8.5 Allocation Using Multiple Memory Ranges

The linker allows you to specify an explicit list of memory ranges into which an output section can be
allocated. Consider the following example:
MEMORY
{
P_MEM1 : origin = 0x02000, length = 0x01000
}
SECTIONS
{
.text : { } > P_MEM1 | P_MEM2 | P_MEM4
}
The | operator is used to specify the multiple memory ranges. The .text output section is allocated as a
whole into the first memory range in which it fits. The memory ranges are accessed in the order specified.
In this example, the linker first tries to allocate the section in P_MEM1. If that attempt fails, the linker tries
to place the section into P_MEM2, and so on. If the output section is not successfully allocated in any of
the named memory ranges, the linker issues an error message.
With this type of SECTIONS directive specification, the linker can seamlessly handle an output section
that grows beyond the available space of the memory range in which it is originally allocated. Instead of
modifying the link command file, you can let the linker move the section into one of the other areas.
7.8.6 Automatic Splitting of Output Sections Among Non-Contiguous Memory Ranges
The linker can split output sections among multiple memory ranges to achieve an efficient allocation. Use
the >> operator to indicate that an output section can be split, if necessary, into the specified memory
ranges. For example:
MEMORY
{
}
SECTIONS
{
.text: { *(.text) } >> P_MEM1 | P_MEM2 | P_MEM3 | P_MEM4
}
In this example, the >> operator indicates that the .text output section can be split among any of the listed
memory areas. If the .text section grows beyond the available memory in P_MEM1, it is split on an input
section boundary, and the remainder of the output section is allocated to P_MEM2 | P_MEM3 | P_MEM4.
The | operator is used to specify the list of multiple memory ranges.
You can also use the >> operator to indicate that an output section can be split within a single memory
range. This functionality is useful when several output sections must be allocated into the same memory
range, but the restrictions of one output section cause the memory range to be partitioned. Consider the
following example:
MEMORY
{
RAM : origin = 0x1000, length = 0x8000
}
SECTIONS
{
.special: { f1.obj(.text) } = 0x4000
.text: { *(.text) } >> RAM
}

The .special output section is allocated near the middle of the RAM memory range. This leaves two
unused areas in RAM: from 0x1000 to 0x4000, and from the end of f1.obj(.text) to 0x8000. The
specification for the .text section allows the linker to split the .text section around the .special section and
use the available space in RAM on either side of .special.
The >> operator can also be used to split an output section among all memory ranges that match a
specified attribute combination. For example:
MEMORY
{
P_MEM1 (RWX) : origin = 0x1000, length = 0x2000
P_MEM2 (RWI) : origin = 0x4000, length = 0x1000
}
SECTIONS
{
.text: { *(.text) } >> (RW)
}
The linker attempts to allocate all or part of the output section into any memory range whose attributes
match the attributes specified in the SECTIONS directive.
This SECTIONS directive has the same effect as:
SECTIONS
{
.text: { *(.text) } >> P_MEM1 | P_MEM2}
}
Certain sections should not be split:

• Certain sections created by the compiler, including
– The .cinit section, which contains the autoinitialization table for C/C++ programs
– The .pinit section, which contains the list of global constructors for C++ programs
– The .bss section, which defines global variables
• An output section with an input section specification that includes an expression to be evaluated. The
expression may define a symbol that is used in the program to manage the output section at run time.
• An output section that has a START(), END(), OR SIZE() operator applied to it. These operators
provide information about a section's load or run address, and size. Splitting the section may
compromise the integrity of the operation.
• The run allocation of a UNION. (Splitting the load allocation of a UNION is allowed.)
If you use the >> operator on any of these sections, the linker issues a warning and ignores the operator.
7.8.7 Allocating an Archive Member to an Output Section

The ability to specify an archive member of a library archive for allocation into a specific output section
can be specified inside angle brackets after a library name. Any object files separated by commas or
spaces from the specified archive file are legal within the angle brackets. The syntax for allocating
archived library members specifically inside of a SECTIONS directive is as follows:
[--library=] library name <member1[,] member2[,] ...> [(input sections)]
Example 7-8 specifies that the text sections of boot.obj, exit.obj, and strcpy.obj from the run-time-support
library should be placed in section .boot. The remainder of the .text sections from the run-time-support
library are to be placed in section .rts. Finally, the remainder of all other .text sections are to be placed in
section .text.

Example 7-8. Archive Members to Output Sections
SECTIONS
{
boot > BOOT1
{
--library=rtsXX.lib<boot.obj> (.text)
--library=rtsXX.lib<exit.obj strcpy.obj> (.text)
}
.rts > BOOT2

{
--library=rtsXX.lib (.text)
}
.text > RAM

{
* (.text)
}
}
The --library option (which normally implies a library path search be made for the named file following the
option) listed before each library in Example 7-8 is optional when listing specific archive members inside <
>. Using < > implies that you are referring to a library.
To collect a set of the input sections from a library in one place, use the --library option within the
SECTIONS directive. For example, the following collects all the .text sections from rts430.lib into the
.rtstest section:
SECTIONS
{
.rtstest { ---library=rts430.lib(.text) } > RAM
}
SECTIONS Directive Effect on --priority

Note: Specifying a library in a SECTIONS directive causes that library to be entered in the list of
libraries that the linker searches to resolve references. If you use the --priority option, the first
library specified in the command file will be searched first.

www.ti.com Specifying a Section's Run-Time Address
7.9 Specifying a Section's Run-Time Address
At times, you may want to load code into one area of memory and run it in another. For example, you may
have performance-critical code in slow external memory. The code must be loaded into slow external
memory, but it would run faster in fast external memory.
The linker provides a simple way to accomplish this. You can use the SECTIONS directive to direct the
linker to allocate a section twice: once to set its load address and again to set its run address. For
example:
.fir: load = SLOW_MEM, run = FAST_MEM
Use the load keyword for the load address and the run keyword for the run address.
See Section 2.5 for an overview on run-time relocation.
7.9.1 Specifying Load and Run Addresses

The load address determines where a loader places the raw data for the section. Any references to the
section (such as labels in it) refer to its run address. The application must copy the section from its load
address to its run address; this does not happen automatically when you specify a separate run address.
If you provide only one allocation (either load or run) for a section, the section is allocated only once and
loads and runs at the same address. If you provide both allocations, the section is allocated as if it were
two sections of the same size. This means that both allocations occupy space in the memory map and
cannot overlay each other or other sections. (The UNION directive provides a way to overlay sections; see
Section 7.10.1.)
If either the load or run address has additional parameters, such as alignment or blocking, list them after
the appropriate keyword. Everything related to allocation after the keyword load affects the load address
until the keyword run is seen, after which, everything affects the run address. The load and run allocations
are completely independent, so any qualification of one (such as alignment) has no effect on the other.
You can also specify run first, then load. Use parentheses to improve readability.
The examples below specify load and run addresses:
.data: load = SLOW_MEM, align = 32, run = FAST_MEM
(align applies only to load)

.data: load = (SLOW_MEM align 32), run = FAST_MEM
(identical to previous example)

.data: run = FAST_MEM, align 32,
load = align 16
(align 32 in FAST_MEM for run; align 16 anywhere for load)
7.9.2 Uninitialized Sections

Uninitialized sections (such as .bss) are not loaded, so their only significant address is the run address.
The linker allocates uninitialized sections only once: if you specify both run and load addresses, the linker
warns you and ignores the load address. Otherwise, if you specify only one address, the linker treats it as
a run address, regardless of whether you call it load or run. This example specifies load and run
addresses for an uninitialized section:
.bss: load = 0x1000, run = FAST_MEM
A warning is issued, load is ignored, and space is allocated in FAST_MEM. All of the following examples
have the same effect. The .bss section is allocated in FAST_MEM.
.bss: load = FAST_MEM
.bss: run = FAST_MEM
.bss: > FAST_MEM

Specifying a Section's Run-Time Address www.ti.com
7.9.3 Referring to the Load Address by Using the .label Directive

Normally, any reference to a symbol in a section refers to its run-time address. However, it may be
necessary at run time to refer to a load-time address. Specifically, the code that copies a section from its
load address to its run address must have access to the load address. The .label directive defines a
special symbol that refers to the section's load address. Thus, whereas normal symbols are relocated with
respect to the run address, .label symbols are relocated with respect to the load address. See Create a
Load-Time Address Label for more information on the .label directive.
Example 7-9 and Example 7-10 show the use of the .label directive to copy a section from its load address
in EXT_MEM to its run address in P_MEM. Figure 7-3 illustrates the run-time execution of Example 7-9.
Example 7-9. Copying Section Assembly Language File
* Define a section to be copied from load to run address

.sect ".fir"
.label fir_src
fir:
* < code here> ;code for section
.label fir_end
* Copy .fir section from load address to run address

.text
MOV &fir_s,R11
MOV &fir_e,R12
MOV #fir,R13
LOOP: CMP R11,R12
JL Copy_Done
MOV @R11+,0(R13)
INC R13
JMP LOOP
Copy_Done:
* Jump to fir routine, now at run address
JMP fir
fir_s .word fir_src

fir_e .word fir_end
Example 7-10. Linker Command File for Example 7-9
/*****************************************************/
/* PARTIAL LINKER COMMAND FILE FOR FIR EXAMPLE */
/*****************************************************/
MEMORY
{
MEM1: origin = 0x2000, length 0x0500
MEM2: origin = 0x3000, length 0x0500
}
SECTIONS
{
.text: load = MEM1
.fir: load = MEM2, run = MEM1
}

www.ti.com Using UNION and GROUP Statements
Figure 7-3. Run-Time Execution of Example 7-9

0x0000
0x2000
MEM1
.text
fir (relocated
to run here)
0x2500
0x3000
MEM2
fir (loads here)
0x3500
0xFFFF
7.10 Using UNION and GROUP Statements

Two SECTIONS statements allow you to conserve memory: GROUP and UNION. Unioning sections
causes the linker to allocate them to the same run address. Grouping sections causes the linker to
allocate them contiguously in memory. Section names can refer to sections, subsections, or archive library
members.
7.10.1 Overlaying Sections With the UNION Statement

For some applications, you may want to allocate more than one section to run at the same address. For
example, you may have several routines you want in fast external memory at various stages of execution.
Or you may want several data objects that are not active at the same time to share a block of memory.
The UNION statement within the SECTIONS directive provides a way to allocate several sections at the
same run-time address.
In Example 7-11, the .bss sections from file1.obj and file2.obj are allocated at the same address in
FAST_MEM. In the memory map, the union occupies as much space as its largest component. The
components of a union remain independent sections; they are simply allocated together as a unit.
Example 7-11. The UNION Statement
SECTIONS
{
.text: load = SLOW_MEM
UNION: run = FAST_MEM
{
.bss:part1: { file1.obj(.bss) }
.bss:part2: { file2.obj(.bss) }
}
.bss:part3: run = FAST_MEM { globals.obj(.bss) }
}

Using UNION and GROUP Statements www.ti.com
Allocation of a section as part of a union affects only its run address. Under no circumstances can
sections be overlaid for loading. If an initialized section is a union member (an initialized section, such as
.text, has raw data), its load allocation must be separately specified. See Example 7-12.
Example 7-12. Separate Load Addresses for UNION Sections
UNION run = FAST_MEM

{
.text:part1: load = SLOW_MEM, { file1.obj(.text) }
.text:part2: load = SLOW_MEM, { file2.obj(.text) }
}
Figure 7-4. Memory Allocation Shown in Example 7-11 and Example 7-12
FAST_MEM Sections can run FAST_MEM

as a union. This Copies at
.bss:part2 is run-time alloca- .text 2 (run)
run time
.bss:part1 tion only. .text 1 (run)
.bss:part3 .bss:part3
SLOW_MEM SLOW_MEM
.text .text 1 (load)

Sections cannot
load as a union
.text 2 (load)
Since the .text sections contain data, they cannot load as a union, although they can be run as a union.
Therefore, each requires its own load address. If you fail to provide a load allocation for an initialized
section within a UNION, the linker issues a warning and allocates load space anywhere it can in
configured memory.
Uninitialized sections are not loaded and do not require load addresses.
The UNION statement applies only to allocation of run addresses, so it is meaningless to specify a load
address for the union itself. For purposes of allocation, the union is treated as an uninitialized section: any
one allocation specified is considered a run address, and if both run and load addresses are specified, the
linker issues a warning and ignores the load address.

www.ti.com Using UNION and GROUP Statements
7.10.2 Grouping Output Sections Together

The SECTIONS directive's GROUP option forces several output sections to be allocated contiguously. For
example, assume that a section named term_rec contains a termination record for a table in the .data
section. You can force the linker to allocate .data and term_rec together:
Example 7-13. Allocate Sections Together
SECTIONS
{
.text /* Normal output section */
.bss /* Normal output section */
GROUP 0x00001000 : /* Specify a group of sections */
{
.data /* First section in the group */
term_rec /* Allocated immediately after .data */
}
}
You can use binding, alignment, or named memory to allocate a GROUP in the same manner as a single
output section. In the preceding example, the GROUP is bound to address 0x1000. This means that .data
is allocated at 0x1000, and term_rec follows it in memory.
You Cannot Specify Addresses for Sections Within a GROUP

Note: When you use the GROUP option, binding, alignment, or allocation into named memory can
be specified for the group only. You cannot use binding, named memory, or alignment for
sections within a group.
7.10.3 Nesting UNIONs and GROUPs

The linker allows arbitrary nesting of GROUP and UNION statements with the SECTIONS directive. By
nesting GROUP and UNION statements, you can express hierarchical overlays and groupings of sections.
Example 7-14 shows how two overlays can be grouped together.
Example 7-14. Nesting GROUP and UNION Statements
SECTIONS
{
GROUP 0x1000 : run = FAST_MEM
{
UNION:
{
mysect1: load = SLOW_MEM
}
UNION:
{
}
}
}
For this example, the linker performs the following allocations:

• The four sections (mysect1, mysect2, mysect3, mysect4) are assigned unique, non-overlapping load
addresses in the SLOW_MEM memory region. This assignment is determined by the particular load
allocations given for each section.
• Sections mysect1 and mysect2 are assigned the same run address in FAST_MEM.
• Sections mysect3 and mysect4 are assigned the same run address in FAST_MEM.

Using UNION and GROUP Statements www.ti.com
• The run addresses of mysect1/mysect2 and mysect3/mysect4 are allocated contiguously, as directed
by the GROUP statement (subject to alignment and blocking restrictions).
To refer to groups and unions, linker diagnostic messages use the notation:
GROUP_n UNION_n
In this notation, n is a sequential number (beginning at 1) that represents the lexical ordering of the group
or union in the linker control file, without regard to nesting. Groups and unions each have their own
counter.
7.10.4 Checking the Consistency of Allocators

The linker checks the consistency of load and run allocations specified for unions, groups, and sections.
The following rules are used:
• Run allocations are only allowed for top-level sections, groups, or unions (sections, groups, or unions
that are not nested under any other groups or unions). The linker uses the run address of the top-level
structure to compute the run addresses of the components within groups and unions.
• The linker does not accept a load allocation for UNIONs.
• The linker does not accept a load allocation for uninitialized sections.
• In most cases, you must provide a load allocation for an initialized section. However, the linker does
not accept a load allocation for an initialized section that is located within a group that already defines
a load allocator.
• As a shortcut, you can specify a load allocation for an entire group, to determine the load allocations
for every initialized section or subgroup nested within the group. However, a load allocation is
accepted for an entire group only if all of the following conditions are true:
– The group is initialized (that is, it has at least one initialized member).
– The group is not nested inside another group that has a load allocator.
– The group does not contain a union containing initialized sections.
• If the group contains a union with initialized sections, it is necessary to specify the load allocation for
each initialized section nested within the group. Consider the following example:
SECTIONS
{
GROUP: load = SLOW_MEM, run = SLOW_MEM
{
.text1:
UNION:
{
.text2:
.text3:
}
}
}
• The load allocator given for the group does not uniquely specify the load allocation for the elements
within the union: .text2 and .text3. In this case, the linker issues a diagnostic message to request that
these load allocations be specified explicitly.

www.ti.com Special Section Types (DSECT, COPY, and NOLOAD)
7.10.5 Naming UNIONs and GROUPs

You can give a name to a UNION or GROUP by entering the name in parentheses after the declaration.
For example:
GROUP(BSS_SYSMEM_STACK_GROUP)
{
.bss :{}
.sysmem :{}
.stack :{}
} load=D_MEM, run=D_MEM
The name you defined is used in diagnostics for easy identification of the problem LCF area. For example:
warning: LOAD placement ignored for "BSS_SYSMEM_STACK_GROUP": object is uninitialized
UNION(TEXT_CINIT_UNION)
{
.const :{}load=D_MEM, table(table1)
.pinit :{}load=D_MEM, table(table1)
}run=P_MEM
warning:table(table1) operator ignored: table(table1) has already been applied to a section

in the "UNION(TEXT_CINIT_UNION)" in which ".pinit" is a descendant
7.11 Special Section Types (DSECT, COPY, and NOLOAD)

You can assign three special types to output sections: DSECT, COPY, and NOLOAD. These types affect
the way that the program is treated when it is linked and loaded. You can assign a type to a section by
placing the type after the section definition. For example:
SECTIONS
{
sec1: load = 0x00002000, type = DSECT {f1.obj}
sec2: load = 0x00004000, type = COPY {f2.obj}
sec3: load = 0x00006000, type = NOLOAD {f3.obj}
}
• The DSECT type creates a dummy section with the following characteristics:
– It is not included in the output section memory allocation. It takes up no memory and is not included
in the memory map listing.
– It can overlay other output sections, other DSECTs, and unconfigured memory.
– Global symbols defined in a dummy section are relocated normally. They appear in the output
module's symbol table with the same value they would have if the DSECT had actually been
loaded. These symbols can be referenced by other input sections.
– Undefined external symbols found in a DSECT cause specified archive libraries to be searched.
– The section's contents, relocation information, and line number information are not placed in the
output module.
In the preceding example, none of the sections from f1.obj are allocated, but all the symbols are
relocated as though the sections were linked at address 0x2000. The other sections can refer to any of
the global symbols in sec1.
• A COPY section is similar to a DSECT section, except that its contents and associated information are
written to the output module. The .cinit section that contains initialization tables for the MSP430 C/C++
compiler has this attribute under the run-time initialization model.
• A NOLOAD section differs from a normal output section in one respect: the section's contents,
relocation information, and line number information are not placed in the output module. The linker
allocates space for the section, and it appears in the memory map listing.

Default Allocation Algorithm www.ti.com
7.12 Default Allocation Algorithm

The MEMORY and SECTIONS directives provide flexible methods for building, combining, and allocating
sections. However, any memory locations or sections that you choose not to specify must still be handled
by the linker. The linker uses default algorithms to build and allocate sections within the specifications you
supply.
If you do not use the MEMORY and SECTIONS directives, the linker allocates output sections as though
the definitions in Example 7-15 were specified.
Example 7-15. Default Allocation for MSP430 Devices
MEMORY
{
MEM : origin = 0x0200, length = 0xFDFD
}
SECTIONS
{
.text : {} > MEM
.const : {} > MEM
.data : {} > MEM
.bss : {} > MEM
.reset : > RESET
.cinit : {} > MEM ;cflag option only

.pinit : {} > MEM ;cflag option only
}
All .text input sections are concatenated to form a .text output section in the executable output file, and all
.data input sections are combined to form a .data output section.
If you use a SECTIONS directive, the linker performs no part of the default allocation. Allocation is
performed according to the rules specified by the SECTIONS directive and the general algorithm
described next in Section 7.12.1.
7.12.1 How the Allocation Algorithm Creates Output Sections

An output section can be formed in one of two ways:
Method 1 As the result of a SECTIONS directive definition
Method 2 By combining input sections with the same name into an output section that is not defined in
a SECTIONS directive
If an output section is formed as a result of a SECTIONS directive, this definition completely determines
the section's contents. (See Section 7.8 for examples of how to define an output section's content.)
If an output section is formed by combining input sections not specified by a SECTIONS directive, the
linker combines all such input sections that have the same name into an output section with that name.
For example, suppose the files f1.obj and f2.obj both contain named sections called Vectors and that the
SECTIONS directive does not define an output section for them. The linker combines the two Vectors
sections from the input files into a single output section named Vectors, allocates it into memory, and
includes it in the output file.
By default, the linker does not display a message when it creates an output section that is not defined in
the SECTIONS directive. You can use the --warn_sections linker option (see Section 7.4.32) to cause the
linker to display a message when it creates a new output section.

www.ti.com Assigning Symbols at Link Time
After the linker determines the composition of all output sections, it must allocate them into configured
memory. The MEMORY directive specifies which portions of memory are configured. If there is no
MEMORY directive, the linker uses the default configuration as shown in Example 7-15. (See Section 7.7
for more information on configuring memory.)
7.12.2 Reducing Memory Fragmentation

The linker's allocation algorithm attempts to minimize memory fragmentation. This allows memory to be
used more efficiently and increases the probability that your program will fit into memory. The algorithm
comprises these steps:
1. Each output section for which you have supplied a specific binding address is placed in memory at that
address.
2. Each output section that is included in a specific, named memory range or that has memory attribute
restrictions is allocated. Each output section is placed into the first available space within the named
area, considering alignment where necessary.
3. Any remaining sections are allocated in the order in which they are defined. Sections not defined in a
SECTIONS directive are allocated in the order in which they are encountered. Each output section is
placed into the first available memory space, considering alignment where necessary.
7.13 Assigning Symbols at Link Time

Linker assignment statements allow you to define external (global) symbols and assign values to them at
link time. You can use this feature to initialize a variable or pointer to an allocation-dependent value.
7.13.1 Syntax of Assignment Statements

The syntax of assignment statements in the linker is similar to that of assignment statements in the C
language:
symbol = expression; assigns the value of expression to symbol
symbol += expression; adds the value of expression to symbol
symbol -= expression; subtracts the value of expression from symbol
symbol *= expression; multiplies symbol by expression
symbol /= expression; divides symbol by expression
The symbol should be defined externally. If it is not, the linker defines a new symbol and enters it into the
symbol table. The expression must follow the rules defined in Section 7.13.3. Assignment statements must
terminate with a semicolon.
The linker processes assignment statements after it allocates all the output sections. Therefore, if an
expression contains a symbol, the address used for that symbol reflects the symbol's address in the
executable output file.
For example, suppose a program reads data from one of two tables identified by two external symbols,
Table1 and Table2. The program uses the symbol cur_tab as the address of the current table. The
cur_tab symbol must point to either Table1 or Table2. You could accomplish this in the assembly code,
but you would need to reassemble the program to change tables. Instead, you can use a linker
assignment statement to assign cur_tab at link time:
prog.obj /* Input file */
cur_tab = Table1; /* Assign cur_tab to one of the tables */

Assigning Symbols at Link Time www.ti.com
7.13.2 Assigning the SPC to a Symbol

A special symbol, denoted by a dot (.), represents the current value of the section program counter (SPC)
during allocation. The SPC keeps track of the current location within a section. The linker's . symbol is
analogous to the assembler's $ symbol. The . symbol can be used only in assignment statements within a
SECTIONS directive because . is meaningful only during allocation and SECTIONS controls the allocation
process. (See Section 7.8.)
The . symbol refers to the current run address, not the current load address, of the section.
For example, suppose a program needs to know the address of the beginning of the .data section. By
using the .global directive (see Identify Global Symbols ), you can create an external undefined variable
called Dstart in the program. Then, assign the value of . to Dstart:
SECTIONS
{
.text: {}
.data: {Dstart = .;}
.bss : {}
}
This defines Dstart to be the first linked address of the .data section. (Dstart is assigned before .data is
allocated.) The linker relocates all references to Dstart.
A special type of assignment assigns a value to the . symbol. This adjusts the SPC within an output
section and creates a hole between two input sections. Any value assigned to . to create a hole is relative
to the beginning of the section, not to the address actually represented by the . symbol. Holes and
assignments to . are described in Section 7.14.
7.13.3 Assignment Expressions

These rules apply to linker expressions:
• Expressions can contain global symbols, constants, and the C language operators listed in Table 7-2.
• All numbers are treated as long (32-bit) integers.
• Constants are identified by the linker in the same way as by the assembler. That is, numbers are
recognized as decimal unless they have a suffix (H or h for hexadecimal and Q or q for octal). C
language prefixes are also recognized (0 for octal and 0x for hex). Hexadecimal constants must begin
with a digit. No binary constants are allowed.
• Symbols within an expression have only the value of the symbol's address. No type-checking is
performed.
• Linker expressions can be absolute or relocatable. If an expression contains any relocatable symbols
(and 0 or more constants or absolute symbols), it is relocatable. Otherwise, the expression is absolute.
If a symbol is assigned the value of a relocatable expression, it is relocatable; if it is assigned the value
of an absolute expression, it is absolute.
The linker supports the C language operators listed in Table 7-2 in order of precedence. Operators in the
same group have the same precedence. Besides the operators listed in Table 7-2, the linker also has an
align operator that allows a symbol to be aligned on an n-byte boundary within an output section (n is a
power of 2). For example, the following expression aligns the SPC within the current section on the next
16-byte boundary. Because the align operator is a function of the current SPC, it can be used only in the
same context as . —that is, within a SECTIONS directive.
. = align(16);

Table 7-2. Groups of Operators Used in Expressions (Precedence)

Group 1 (Highest Precedence) Group 6
! Logical NOT & Bitwise AND
~ Bitwise NOT
- Negation
Group 2 Group 7
* Multiplication | Bitwise OR
/ Division
% Modulus
Group 3 Group 8
+ Addition && Logical AND
- Subtraction
Group 4 Group 9
>> Arithmetic right shift || Logical OR
<< Arithmetic left shift
Group 5 Group 10 (Lowest Precedence)
== Equal to = Assignment
!= Not equal to += A+=B"A=A+B
> Greater than -= A-=B"A=A-B
< Less than *= A*=B"A=A*B
<= Less than or equal to /= A/=B"A=A/B
>= Greater than or equal to
7.13.4 Symbols Defined by the Linker

The linker automatically defines several symbols based on which sections are used in your assembly
source. A program can use these symbols at run time to determine where a section is linked. Since these
symbols are external, they appear in the linker map. Each symbol can be accessed in any assembly
language module if it is declared with a .global directive (see Identify Global Symbols ). You must have
used the corresponding section in a source module for the symbol to be created. Values are assigned to
these symbols as follows:
.text is assigned the first address of the .text output section.
(It marks the beginning of executable code.)
etext is assigned the first address following the .text output section.
(It marks the end of executable code.)
.data is assigned the first address of the .data output section.
(It marks the beginning of initialized data tables.)
edata is assigned the first address following the .data output section.
(It marks the end of initialized data tables.)
.bss is assigned the first address of the .bss output section.
(It marks the beginning of uninitialized data.)
end is assigned the first address following the .bss output section.
(It marks the end of uninitialized data.)
The following symbols are defined only for C/C++ support when the --ram_model or --rom_model option is
used.
__STACK_SIZE is assigned the size of the .stack section.
__SYSMEM_SIZE is assigned the size of the .sysmem section.

Assigning Symbols at Link Time www.ti.com
7.13.5 Assigning Exact Start, End, and Size Values of a Section to a Symbol
The code generation tools currently support the ability to load program code in one area of (slow) memory
and run it in another (faster) area. This is done by specifying separate load and run addresses for an
output section or group in the link command file. Then execute a sequence of instructions (the copying
code in Example 7-9) that moves the program code from its load area to its run area before it is needed.
There are several responsibilities that a programmer must take on when setting up a system with this
feature. One of these responsibilities is to determine the size and run-time address of the program code to
be moved. The current mechanisms to do this involve use of the .label directives in the copying code. A
simple example is illustrated Example 7-9.
This method of specifying the size and load address of the program code has limitations. While it works
fine for an individual input section that is contained entirely within one source file, this method becomes
more complicated if the program code is spread over several source files or if the programmer wants to
copy an entire output section from load space to run space.
Another problem with this method is that it does not account for the possibility that the section being
moved may have an associated far call trampoline section that needs to be moved with it.
7.13.6 Why the Dot Operator Does Not Always Work

The dot operator (.) is used to define symbols at link-time with a particular address inside of an output
section. It is interpreted like a PC. Whatever the current offset within the current section is, that is the
value associated with the dot. Consider an output section specification within a SECTIONS directive:
outsect:
{
s1.obj(.text)
end_of_s1 = .;
start_of_s2 = .;
s2.obj(.text)
end_of_s2 = .;
}
This statement creates three symbols:

• end_of_s1—the end address of .text in s1.obj
• start_of_s2—the start address of .text in s2.obj
• end_of_s2—the end address of .text in s2.obj
Suppose there is padding between s1.obj and s2.obj that is created as a result of alignment. Then
start_of_s2 is not really the start address of the .text section in s2.obj, but it is the address before the
padding needed to align the .text section in s2.obj. This is due to the linker's interpretation of the dot
operator as the current PC. It is also due to the fact that the dot operator is evaluated independently of the
input sections around it.
Another potential problem in the above example is that end_of_s2 may not account for any padding that
was required at the end of the output section. You cannot reliably use end_of_s2 as the end address of
the output section. One way to get around this problem is to create a dummy section immediately after the
output section in question. For example:
GROUP
{
outsect:
{
start_of_outsect = .;
...
}
dummy: { size_of_outsect = . - start_of_outsect; }
}

7.13.7 Address and Dimension Operators

Six new operators have been added to the link command file syntax:
LOAD_START( sym ) Defines sym with the load-time start address of related allocation unit
START( sym )
LOAD_END( sym ) Defines sym with the load-time end address of related allocation unit
END( sym )
LOAD_SIZE( sym ) Defines sym with the load-time size of related allocation unit
SIZE( sym )
RUN_START( sym ) Defines sym with the run-time start address of related allocation unit
RUN_END( sym ) Defines sym with the run-time end address of related allocation unit
RUN_SIZE(sym) Defines sym with the run-time size of related allocation unit
Linker Command File Operator Equivalencies

Note: LOAD_START() and START() are equivalent, as are LOAD_END()/END() and
LOAD_SIZE()/SIZE().
The new address and dimension operators can be associated with several different kinds of allocation
units, including input items, output sections, GROUPs, and UNIONs. The following sections provide some
examples of how the operators can be used in each case.
7.13.7.1 Input Items

Consider an output section specification within a SECTIONS directive:
outsect:
{
s1.obj(.text)
end_of_s1 = .;
start_of_s2 = .;
s2.obj(.text)
end_of_s2 = .;
}
This can be rewritten using the START and END operators as follows:
outsect:
{
s1.obj(.text) { END(end_of_s1) }
s2.obj(.text) { START(start_of_s2), END(end_of_s2) }
}
The values of end_of_s1 and end_of_s2 will be the same as if you had used the dot operator in the
original example, but start_of_s2 would be defined after any necessary padding that needs to be added
between the two .text sections. Remember that the dot operator would cause start_of_s2 to be defined
before any necessary padding is inserted between the two input sections.
The syntax for using these operators in association with input sections calls for braces { } to enclose the
operator list. The operators in the list are applied to the input item that occurs immediately before the list.
7.13.7.2 Output Section

The START, END, and SIZE operators can also be associated with an output section. Here is an example:
outsect: START(start_of_outsect), SIZE(size_of_outsect)
{
<list of input items>
}

Creating and Filling Holes www.ti.com
In this case, the SIZE operator defines size_of_outsect to incorporate any padding that is required in the
output section to conform to any alignment requirements that are imposed.
The syntax for specifying the operators with an output section do not require braces to enclose the
operator list. The operator list is simply included as part of the allocation specification for an output
section.
7.13.7.3 GROUPs
Here is another use of the START and SIZE operators in the context of a GROUP specification:
GROUP
{
outsect1: { ... }
outsect2: { ... }
} load = ROM, run = RAM, START(group_start), SIZE(group_size);
This can be useful if the whole GROUP is to be loaded in one location and run in another. The copying
code can use group_start and group_size as parameters for where to copy from and how much is to be
copied. This makes the use of .label in the source code unnecessary.
7.13.7.4 UNIONs
The RUN_SIZE and LOAD_SIZE operators provide a mechanism to distinguish between the size of a
UNION's load space and the size of the space where its constituents are going to be copied before they
are run. Here is an example:
UNION: run = RAM, LOAD_START(union_load_addr),
LOAD_SIZE(union_ld_sz), RUN_SIZE(union_run_sz)
{
.text1: load = ROM, SIZE(text1_size) { f1.obj(.text) }
.text2: load = ROM, SIZE(text2_size) { f2.obj(.text) }
}
Here union_ld_sz is going to be equal to the sum of the sizes of all output sections placed in the union.
The union_run_sz value is equivalent to the largest output section in the union. Both of these symbols
incorporate any padding due to blocking or alignment requirements.
7.14 Creating and Filling Holes

The linker provides you with the ability to create areas within output sections that have nothing linked into
them. These areas are called holes. In special cases, uninitialized sections can also be treated as holes.
This section describes how the linker handles holes and how you can fill holes (and uninitialized sections)
with values.
7.14.1 Initialized and Uninitialized Sections

There are two rules to remember about the contents of output sections. An output section contains either:
• Raw data for the entire section
• No raw data
A section that has raw data is referred to as initialized. This means that the object file contains the actual
memory image contents of the section. When the section is loaded, this image is loaded into memory at
the section's specified starting address. The .text and .data sections always have raw data if anything was
assembled into them. Named sections defined with the .sect assembler directive also have raw data.
By default, the .bss section (see Reserve Space in the .bss Section ) and sections defined with the .usect
directive (see Reserve Uninitialized Space ) have no raw data (they are uninitialized). They occupy space
in the memory map but have no actual contents. Uninitialized sections typically reserve space in fast
external memory for variables. In the object file, an uninitialized section has a normal section header and
can have symbols defined in it; no memory image, however, is stored in the section.

www.ti.com Creating and Filling Holes
7.14.2 Creating Holes
You can create a hole in an initialized output section. A hole is created when you force the linker to leave
extra space between input sections within an output section. When such a hole is created, the linker must
supply raw data for the hole.
Holes can be created only within output sections. Space can exist between output sections, but such
space is not a hole. To fill the space between output sections, see Section 7.7.2.
To create a hole in an output section, you must use a special type of linker assignment statement within
an output section definition. The assignment statement modifies the SPC (denoted by .) by adding to it,
assigning a greater value to it, or aligning it on an address boundary. The operators, expressions, and
syntaxes of assignment statements are described in Section 7.13.
The following example uses assignment statements to create holes in output sections:
SECTIONS
{
outsect:
{
file1.obj(.text)
. += 0x0100 /* Create a hole with size 0x0100 */
file2.obj(.text)
. = align(16); /* Create a hole to align the SPC */
file3.obj(.text)
}
}
The output section outsect is built as follows:

1. The .text section from file1.obj is linked in.
2. The linker creates a 256-byte hole.
3. The .text section from file2.obj is linked in after the hole.
4. The linker creates another hole by aligning the SPC on a 16-byte boundary.
5. Finally, the .text section from file3.obj is linked in.
All values assigned to the . symbol within a section refer to the relative address within the section. The
linker handles assignments to the . symbol as if the section started at address 0 (even if you have
specified a binding address). Consider the statement . = align(16) in the example. This statement
effectively aligns the file3.obj .text section to start on a 16-byte boundary within outsect. If outsect is
ultimately allocated to start on an address that is not aligned, the file3.obj .text section will not be aligned
either.
The . symbol refers to the current run address, not the current load address, of the section.
Expressions that decrement the . symbol are illegal. For example, it is invalid to use the -= operator in an
assignment to the . symbol. The most common operators used in assignments to the . symbol are += and
align.
If an output section contains all input sections of a certain type (such as .text), you can use the following
statements to create a hole at the beginning or end of the output section.
.text: { .+= 0x0100; } /* Hole at the beginning */
.data: { *(.data)
. += 0x0100; } /* Hole at the end */
Another way to create a hole in an output section is to combine an uninitialized section with an initialized
section to form a single output section. In this case, the linker treats the uninitialized section as a hole and
supplies data for it. The following example illustrates this method:
SECTIONS
{
outsect:
{
file1.obj(.text)
file1.obj(.bss) /* This becomes a hole */
}
}
Because the .text section has raw data, all of outsect must also contain raw data. Therefore, the
uninitialized .bss section becomes a hole.

Creating and Filling Holes www.ti.com
Uninitialized sections become holes only when they are combined with initialized sections. If several
uninitialized sections are linked together, the resulting output section is also uninitialized.
7.14.3 Filling Holes

When a hole exists in an initialized output section, the linker must supply raw data to fill it. The linker fills
holes with a 32-bit fill value that is replicated through memory until it fills the hole. The linker determines
the fill value as follows:
1. If the hole is formed by combining an uninitialized section with an initialized section, you can specify a
fill value for the uninitialized section. Follow the section name with an = sign and a 32-bit constant. For
example:
SECTIONS
{ outsect:
{
file1.obj(.text)
file2.obj(.bss)= 0xFF00FF00 /* Fill this hole with 0xFF00FF00 */
}
}
2. You can also specify a fill value for all the holes in an output section by supplying the fill value after the
section definition:
SECTIONS
{ outsect:fill = 0xFF00FF00 /* Fills holes with 0xFF00FF00 */
{
. += 0x0010; /* This creates a hole */
file1.obj(.text)
file1.obj(.bss) /* This creates another hole */
}
}
3. If you do not specify an initialization value for a hole, the linker fills the hole with the value specified
with the --fill_value option (see Section 7.4.10). For example, suppose the command file link.cmd
contains the following SECTIONS directive:
SECTIONS
{
.text: { .= 0x0100; } /* Create a 100 word hole */
}
Now invoke the linker with the --fill_value option:
cl430 --run_linker --fill_value=0xFFFFFFFF link.cmd
This fills the hole with 0xFFFFFFFF.
4. If you do not invoke the linker with the --fill_value option or otherwise specify a fill value, the linker fills
holes with 0s.
Whenever a hole is created and filled in an initialized output section, the hole is identified in the link map
along with the value the linker uses to fill it.
7.14.4 Explicit Initialization of Uninitialized Sections

You can force the linker to initialize an uninitialized section by specifying an explicit fill value for it in the
SECTIONS directive. This causes the entire section to have raw data (the fill value). For example:
SECTIONS
{
.bss: fill = 0x12341234 /* Fills .bss with 0x12341234 */
}
Filling Sections
Note: Because filling a section (even with 0s) causes raw data to be generated for the entire
section in the output file, your output file will be very large if you specify fill values for large
sections or holes.

www.ti.com Linker-Generated Copy Tables
7.15 Linker-Generated Copy Tables
The linker supports extensions to the link command file syntax that enable the following:
• Make it easier for you to copy objects from load-space to run-space at boot time
• Make it easier for you to manage memory overlays at run time
• Allow you to split GROUPs and output sections that have separate load and run addresses
7.15.1 A Current Boot-Loaded Application Development Process

In some embedded applications, there is a need to copy or download code and/or data from one location
to another at boot time before the application actually begins its main execution thread. For example, an
application may have its code and/or data in FLASH memory and need to copy it into on-chip memory
before the application begins execution.
One way you can develop an application like this is to create a copy table in assembly code that contains
three elements for each block of code or data that needs to be moved from FLASH into on-chip memory
at boot time:
• The load address
• The run address
• The size
The process you follow to develop such an application might look like this:
1. Build the application to produce a .map file that contains the load and run addresses of each section
that has a separate load and run placement.
2. Edit the copy table (used by the boot loader) to correct the load and run addresses as well as the size
of each block of code or data that needs to be moved at boot time.
3. Build the application again, incorporating the updated copy table.
4. Run the application.
This process puts a heavy burden on you to maintain the copy table (by hand, no less). Each time a piece
of code or data is added or removed from the application, you must repeat the process in order to keep
the contents of the copy table up to date.
7.15.2 An Alternative Approach

You can avoid some of this maintenance burden by using the LOAD_START(), RUN_START(), and
SIZE() operators that are already part of the link command file syntax . For example, instead of building
the application to generate a .map file, the link command file can be annotated:
SECTIONS
{
.flashcode: { app_tasks.obj(.text) }
load = FLASH, run = PMEM,
LOAD_START(_flash_code_ld_start),
RUN_START(_flash_code_rn_start),
SIZE(_flash_code_size)
...
}
In this example, the LOAD_START(), RUN_START(), and SIZE() operators instruct the linker to create
three symbols:
Symbol Description
_flash_code_ld_start Load address of .flashcode section
_flash_code_rn_start Run address of .flashcode section
_flash_code_size Size of .flashcode section

Linker-Generated Copy Tables www.ti.com
These symbols can then be referenced from the copy table. The actual data in the copy table will be
updated automatically each time the application is linked. This approach removes step 1 of the process
described in Section 7.15.1.
While maintenance of the copy table is reduced markedly, you must still carry the burden of keeping the
copy table contents in sync with the symbols that are defined in the link command file. Ideally, the linker
would generate the boot copy table automatically. This would avoid having to build the application twice
and free you from having to explicitly manage the contents of the boot copy table.
For more information on the LOAD_START(), RUN_START(), and SIZE() operators, see Section 7.13.7.
7.15.3 Overlay Management Example

Consider an application which contains a memory overlay that must be managed at run time. The memory
overlay is defined using a UNION in the link command file as illustrated in Example 7-16:
Example 7-16. Using a UNION for Memory Overlay
SECTIONS
{
...
UNION
{
GROUP
{
.task1: { task1.obj(.text) }
} load = ROM, LOAD_START(_task12_load_start), SIZE(_task12_size)
GROUP
{
} load = ROM, LOAD_START(_task34_load_start), SIZE(_task_34_size)
} run = RAM, RUN_START(_task_run_start)
...
}
The application must manage the contents of the memory overlay at run time. That is, whenever any
services from .task1 or .task2 are needed, the application must first ensure that .task1 and .task2 are
resident in the memory overlay. Similarly for .task3 and .task4.
To affect a copy of .task1 and .task2 from ROM to RAM at run time, the application must first gain access
to the load address of the tasks (_task12_load_start), the run address (_task_run_start), and the size
(_task12_size). Then this information is used to perform the actual code copy.
7.15.4 Generating Copy Tables Automatically With the Linker

The linker supports extensions to the link command file syntax that enable you to do the following:
• Identify any object components that may need to be copied from load space to run space at some
point during the run of an application
• Instruct the linker to automatically generate a copy table that contains (at least) the load address, run
address, and size of the component that needs to be copied
• Instruct the linker to generate a symbol specified by you that provides the address of a
linker-generated copy table. For instance, Example 7-16 can be written as shown in Example 7-17:

Example 7-17. Produce Address for Linker Generated Copy Table
SECTIONS
{
...
UNION
{
GROUP
{
} load = ROM, table(_task12_copy_table)
GROUP
{
} load = ROM, table(_task34_copy_table)
} run = RAM
...
}
Using the SECTIONS directive from Example 7-17 in the link command file, the linker generates two copy
tables named: _task12_copy_table and _task34_copy_table. Each copy table provides the load address,
run address, and size of the GROUP that is associated with the copy table. This information is accessible
from application source code using the linker-generated symbols, _task12_copy_table and
_task34_copy_table, which provide the addresses of the two copy tables, respectively.
Using this method, you do not have to worry about the creation or maintenance of a copy table. You can
reference the address of any copy table generated by the linker in C/C++ or assembly source code,
passing that value to a general purpose copy routine which will process the copy table and affect the
actual copy.
7.15.5 The table() Operator

You can use the table() operator to instruct the linker to produce a copy table. A table() operator can be
applied to an output section, a GROUP, or a UNION member. The copy table generated for a particular
table() specification can be accessed through a symbol specified by you that is provided as an argument
to the table() operator. The linker creates a symbol with this name and assigns it the address of the copy
table as the value of the symbol. The copy table can then be accessed from the application using the
linker-generated symbol.
Each table() specification you apply to members of a given UNION must contain a unique name. If a
table() operator is applied to a GROUP, then none of that GROUP's members may be marked with a
table() specification. The linker detects violations of these rules and reports them as warnings, ignoring
each offending use of the table() specification. The linker does not generate a copy table for erroneous
table() operator specifications.

7.15.6 Boot-Time Copy Tables

The linker supports a special copy table name, BINIT (or binit), that you can use to create a boot-time
copy table. For example, the link command file for the boot-loaded application described in Section 7.15.2
can be rewritten as follows:
SECTIONS
{
.flashcode: { app_tasks.obj(.text) }
load = FLASH, run = PMEM,
table(BINIT)
...
}
For this example, the linker creates a copy table that can be accessed through a special linker-generated
symbol, ___binit__, which contains the list of all object components that need to be copied from their load
location to their run location at boot-time. If a link command file does not contain any uses of table(BINIT),
then the ___binit__ symbol is given a value of -1 to indicate that a boot-time copy table does not exist for
a particular application.
You can apply the table(BINIT) specification to an output section, GROUP, or UNION member. If used in
the context of a UNION, only one member of the UNION can be designated with table(BINIT). If applied to
a GROUP, then none of that GROUP's members may be marked with table(BINIT).The linker detects
violations of these rules and reports them as warnings, ignoring each offending use of the table(BINIT)
specification.
7.15.7 Using the table() Operator to Manage Object Components

If you have several pieces of code that need to be managed together, then you can apply the same table()
operator to several different object components. In addition, if you want to manage a particular object
component in multiple ways, you can apply more than one table() operator to it. Consider the link
command file excerpt in Example 7-18:
Example 7-18. Linker Command File to Manage Object Components
SECTIONS
{
UNION
{
.first: { a1.obj(.text), b1.obj(.text), c1.obj(.text) }
load = EMEM, run = PMEM, table(BINIT), table(_first_ctbl)
.second: { a2.obj(.text), b2.obj(.text) }

load = EMEM, run = PMEM, table(_second_ctbl)
}
.extra: load = EMEM, run = PMEM, table(BINIT)
...
}
In this example, the output sections .first and .extra are copied from external memory (EMEM) into
program memory (PMEM) at boot time while processing the BINIT copy table. After the application has
started executing its main thread, it can then manage the contents of the overlay using the two overlay
copy tables named: _first_ctbl and _second_ctbl.

7.15.8 Copy Table Contents
In order to use a copy table that is generated by the linker, you must be aware of the contents of the copy
table. This information is included in a new run-time-support library header file, cpy_tbl.h, which contains a
C source representation of the copy table data structure that is automatically generated by the linker.
Example 7-19 shows the MSP430 copy table header file.
Example 7-19. MSP430 cpy_tbl.h File
/*****************************************************************************/
/* cpy_tbl.h v3.0.0 */
/* Copyright (c) 2003 Texas Instruments Incorporated */
/* */
/* Specification of copy table data structures which can be automatically */
/* generated by the linker (using the table() operator in the LCF). */
/* */
/*****************************************************************************/
#ifndef _CPY_TBL
#define _CPY_TBL
#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" namespace std {
#endif /* __cplusplus */
/*****************************************************************************/
/* Copy Record Data Structure */
/*****************************************************************************/
typedef struct copy_record
{
unsigned long load_addr;
unsigned long run_addr;
unsigned long size;
} COPY_RECORD;
/*****************************************************************************/
/* Copy Table Data Structure */
/*****************************************************************************/
typedef struct copy_table
{
unsigned short rec_size;
unsigned short num_recs;
COPY_RECORD recs[1];
} COPY_TABLE;
/*****************************************************************************/
/* Prototype for general purpose copy routine. */
/*****************************************************************************/
extern void copy_in(COPY_TABLE *tp);
#ifdef __cplusplus
} /* extern "C" namespace std */
#ifndef _CPP_STYLE_HEADER
using std::COPY_RECORD;
using std::COPY_TABLE;
using std::copy_in;
#endif /* _CPP_STYLE_HEADER */
#endif /* __cplusplus */
#endif /* !_CPY_TBL */

For each object component that is marked for a copy, the linker creates a COPY_RECORD object for it.
Each COPY_RECORD contains at least the following information for the object component:
• The load address
• The run address
• The size
The linker collects all COPY_RECORDs that are associated with the same copy table into a
COPY_TABLE object. The COPY_TABLE object contains the size of a given COPY_RECORD, the
number of COPY_RECORDs in the table, and the array of COPY_RECORDs in the table. For instance, in
the BINIT example in Section 7.15.6, the .first and .extra output sections will each have their own
COPY_RECORD entries in the BINIT copy table. The BINIT copy table will then look like this:
COPY_TABLE __binit__ = { 12, 2,
{ <load address of .first>,
<run address of .first>,
<size of .first> },
{ <load address of .extra>,
<run address of .extra>,
<size of .extra> } };
7.15.9 General Purpose Copy Routine

The cpy_tbl.h file in Example 7-19 also contains a prototype for a general-purpose copy routine, copy_in(),
which is provided as part of the run-time-support library. The copy_in() routine takes a single argument:
the address of a linker-generated copy table. The routine then processes the copy table data object and
performs the copy of each object component specified in the copy table.
The copy_in() function definition is provided in the cpy_tbl.c run-time-support source file shown in Example
7-20.
Example 7-20. Run-Time-Support cpy_tbl.c File
/*****************************************************************************/
/* cpy_tbl.c v3.0.0 */
/* Copyright (c) 2003-2008 Texas Instruments Incorporated */
/* */
/* General purpose copy routine. Given the address of a linker-generated */
/* COPY_TABLE data structure, effect the copy of all object components */
/* that are designated for copy via the corresponding LCF table() operator. */
/* */
/*****************************************************************************/
#include <cpy_tbl.h>
#include <string.h>
/*****************************************************************************/
/* COPY_IN() */
/*****************************************************************************/
void copy_in(COPY_TABLE *tp)
{
unsigned short i;
for (i = 0; i < tp->num_recs; i++)

{
COPY_RECORD crp = tp->recs[i];
#ifdef __LARGE_DATA_MODEL__
unsigned char *ld_addr = (unsigned char *)crp.load_addr;
unsigned char *rn_addr = (unsigned char *)crp.run_addr;
#else
unsigned char *ld_addr = (unsigned char *)(unsigned short)crp.load_addr;
unsigned char *rn_addr = (unsigned char *)(unsigned short)crp.run_addr;
#endif
memcpy(rn_addr, ld_addr, crp.size);
}
}

7.15.10 Linker-Generated Copy Table Sections and Symbols

The linker creates and allocates a separate input section for each copy table that it generates. Each copy
table symbol is defined with the address value of the input section that contains the corresponding copy
table.
The linker generates a unique name for each overlay copy table input section. For example,
table(_first_ctbl) would place the copy table for the .first section into an input section called
.ovly:_first_ctbl. The linker creates a single input section, .binit, to contain the entire boot-time copy table.
Example 7-21 illustrates how you can control the placement of the linker-generated copy table sections
using the input section names in the link command file.
Example 7-21. Controlling the Placement of the Linker-Generated Copy Table Sections
SECTIONS
{
UNION
{
.first: { a1.obj(.text), b1.obj(.text), c1.obj(.text) }
load = EMEM, run = PMEM, table(BINIT), table(_first_ctbl)
.second: { a2.obj(.text), b2.obj(.text) }

load = EMEM, run = PMEM, table(_second_ctbl)
}
.extra: load = EMEM, run = PMEM, table(BINIT)
...
.ovly: { } > BMEM

.binit: { } > BMEM
}
For the link command file in Example 7-21, the boot-time copy table is generated into a .binit input section,
which is collected into the .binit output section, which is mapped to an address in the BMEM memory
area. The _first_ctbl is generated into the .ovly:_first_ctbl input section and the _second_ctbl is generated
into the .ovly:_second_ctbl input section. Since the base names of these input sections match the name of
the .ovly output section, the input sections are collected into the .ovly output section, which is then
mapped to an address in the BMEM memory area.
If you do not provide explicit placement instructions for the linker-generated copy table sections, they are
allocated according to the linker's default placement algorithm.
The linker does not allow other types of input sections to be combined with a copy table input section in
the same output section. The linker does not allow a copy table section that was created from a partial link
session to be used as input to a succeeding link session.
7.15.11 Splitting Object Components and Overlay Management

In previous versions of the linker, splitting sections that have separate load and run placement instructions
was not permitted. This restriction was because there was no effective mechanism for you, the developer,
to gain access to the load address or run address of each one of the pieces of the split object component.
Therefore, there was no effective way to write a copy routine that could move the split section from its load
location to its run location.
However, the linker can access both the load address and run address of every piece of a split object
component. Using the table() operator, you can tell the linker to generate this information into a copy table.
The linker gives each piece of the split object component a COPY_RECORD entry in the copy table
object.

For example, consider an application which has seven tasks. Tasks 1 through 3 are overlaid with tasks 4
through 7 (using a UNION directive). The load placement of all of the tasks is split among four different
memory areas (LMEM1, LMEM2, LMEM3, and LMEM4). The overlay is defined as part of memory area
PMEM. You must move each set of tasks into the overlay at run time before any services from the set are
used.
You can use table() operators in combination with splitting operators, >>, to create copy tables that have
all the information needed to move either group of tasks into the memory overlay as shown in Example
7-22. Example 7-23 illustrates a possible driver for such an application.
Example 7-22. Creating a Copy Table to Access a Split Object Component
SECTIONS
{
UNION
{
.task1to3: { *(.task1), *(.task2), *(.task3) }
load >> LMEM1 | LMEM2 | LMEM4, table(_task13_ctbl)
GROUP
{
.task4: { *(.task4) }
.task5: { *(.task5) }
.task6: { *(.task6) }
.task7: { *(.task7) }
} load >> LMEM1 | LMEM3 | LMEM4, table(_task47_ctbl)
} run = PMEM
...
.ovly: > LMEM4

}
Example 7-23. Split Object Component Driver
#include <cpy_tbl.h>
extern far COPY_TABLE task13_ctbl;

extern far COPY_TABLE task47_ctbl;
extern void task1(void);

...
extern void task7(void);
main()
{
...
copy_in(&task13_ctbl);
task1();
task2();
task3();
...
copy_in(&task47_ctbl);
task4();
task5();
task6();
task7();
...
}
You must declare a COPY_TABLE object as far to allow the overlay copy table section placement to be
independent from the other sections containing data objects (such as .bss).

www.ti.com Partial (Incremental) Linking
The contents of the .task1to3 section are split in the section's load space and contiguous in its run space.
The linker-generated copy table, _task13_ctbl, contains a separate COPY_RECORD for each piece of the
split section .task1to3. When the address of _task13_ctbl is passed to copy_in(), each piece of .task1to3
is copied from its load location into the run location.
The contents of the GROUP containing tasks 4 through 7 are also split in load space. The linker performs
the GROUP split by applying the split operator to each member of the GROUP in order. The copy table for
the GROUP then contains a COPY_RECORD entry for every piece of every member of the GROUP.
These pieces are copied into the memory overlay when the _task47_ctbl is processed by copy_in().
The split operator can be applied to an output section, GROUP, or the load placement of a UNION or
UNION member. The linker does not permit a split operator to be applied to the run placement of either a
UNION or of a UNION member. The linker detects such violations, emits a warning, and ignores the
offending split operator usage.
7.16 Partial (Incremental) Linking

An output file that has been linked can be linked again with additional modules. This is known as partial
linking or incremental linking. Partial linking allows you to partition large applications, link each part
separately, and then link all the parts together to create the final executable program.
Follow these guidelines for producing a file that you will relink:
• The intermediate files produced by the linker must have relocation information. Use the --relocatable
option when you link the file the first time. (See Section 7.4.2.2.)
• Intermediate files must have symbolic information. By default, the linker retains symbolic information in
its output. Do not use the --no_sym_table option if you plan to relink a file, because --no_sym_table
strips symbolic information from the output module. (See Section 7.4.21.)
• Intermediate linkers should be concerned only with the formation of output sections and not with
allocation. All allocation, binding, and MEMORY directives should be performed in the final linker.
• If the intermediate files have global symbols that have the same name as global symbols in other files
and you want them to be treated as static (visible only within the intermediate file), you must link the
files with the --make_static option (see Section 7.4.16).
• If you are linking C code, do not use --ram_model or --rom_model until the final linker. Every time you
invoke the linker with the --ram_model or --rom_model option, the linker attempts to create an entry
point. (See Section 7.4.23.)
The following example shows how you can use partial linking:
Step 1: Link the file file1.com; use the --relocatable option to retain relocation information in the
output file tempout1.out.
cl430 --run_linker --relocatable --output_file=tempout1 file1.com
file1.com contains:
SECTIONS { ss1: { f1.obj f2.obj . . . fn.obj } }
Step 2: Link the file file2.com; use the --relocatable option to retain relocation information in the
output file tempout2.out.
cl430 --run_linker --relocatable --output_file=tempout2 file2.com
file2.com contains:
SECTIONS { ss2: { g1.obj g2.obj . . . gn.obj } }
Step 3: Link tempout1.out and tempout2.out.

cl430 --run_linker --map_file=final.map --output_file=final.out tempout1.out
tempout2.out

Linking C/C++ Code www.ti.com
7.17 Linking C/C++ Code
The C/C++ compiler produces assembly language source code that can be assembled and linked. For
example, a C program consisting of modules prog1, prog2, etc., can be assembled and then linked to
produce an executable file called prog.out:
cl430 --run_linker --rom_model --output_file prog.out prog1.obj prog2.obj ... rts430.lib
The --rom_model option tells the linker to use special conventions that are defined by the C/C++
environment.
The archive libraries shipped by TI contain C/C++ run-time-support functions.
C, C++, and mixed C and C++ programs can use the same run-time-support library. Run-time-support
functions and variables that can be called and referenced from both C and C++ will have the same
linkage.
For more information about the MSP430 C/C++ language, including the run-time environment and
run-time-support functions, see the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide
7.17.1 Run-Time Initialization

All C/C++ programs must be linked with code to initialize and execute the program, called a bootstrap
routine, also known as the boot.obj object module. The symbol _c_int00 is defined as the program entry
point and is the start of the C boot routine in boot.obj; referencing _c_int00 ensures that boot.obj is
automatically linked in from the run-time-support library. When a program begins running, it executes
boot.obj first. The boot.obj symbol contains code and data for initializing the run-time environment and
performs the following tasks:
• Changes from system mode to user mode
• Sets up the user mode stack
• Processes the run-time .cinit initialization table and autoinitializes global variables (when the linker is
invoked with the --rom_model option)
• Calls main
The run-time-support object libraries contain boot.obj. You can:
• Use the archiver to extract boot.obj from the library and then link the module in directly.
• Include the appropriate run-time-support library as an input file (the linker automatically extracts
boot.obj when you use the --ram_model or --rom_model option).
7.17.2 Object Libraries and Run-Time Support

The MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide describes additional run-time-support functions
that are included in rts.src. If your program uses any of these functions, you must link the appropriate
run-time-support library with your object files.
You can also create your own object libraries and link them. The linker includes and links only those
library members that resolve undefined references.
7.17.3 Setting the Size of the Stack and Heap Sections

The C/C++ language uses two uninitialized sections called .sysmem and .stack for the memory pool used
by the malloc( ) functions and the run-time stacks, respectively. You can set the size of these by using the
--heap_size or --stack_size option and specifying the size of the section as a 4-byte constant immediately
after the option. If the options are not used, the default size of the heap is 128 bytes and the default size
of the stack is 128 bytes.
See Section 7.4.13 for setting heap sizes and Section 7.4.27 for setting stack sizes.

www.ti.com Linking C/C++ Code
7.17.4 Autoinitialization of Variables at Run Time
Autoinitializing variables at run time is the default method of autoinitialization. To use this method, invoke
the linker with the --rom_model option.
Using this method, the .cinit section is loaded into memory along with all the other initialized sections. The
linker defines a special symbol called cinit that points to the beginning of the initialization tables in
memory. When the program begins running, the C boot routine copies data from the tables (pointed to by
.cinit) into the specified variables in the .bss section. This allows initialization data to be stored in slow
external memory and copied to fast external memory each time the program starts.
Figure 7-5 illustrates autoinitialization at run time. Use this method in any system where your application
runs from code burned into slow external memory.
Figure 7-5. Autoinitialization at Run Time

Object file Memory
cint Initialization
.cinit
Loader tables
section
(EXT_MEM)
Boot
routine
.bss
section
(D_MEM)
7.17.5 Initialization of Variables at Load Time

Initialization of variables at load time enhances performance by reducing boot time and by saving the
memory used by the initialization tables. To use this method, invoke the linker with the --ram_model
option.
When you use the --ram_model linker option, the linker sets the STYP_COPY bit in the .cinit section's
header. This tells the loader not to load the .cinit section into memory. (The .cinit section occupies no
space in the memory map.) The linker also sets the cinit symbol to -1 (normally, cinit points to the
beginning of the initialization tables). This indicates to the boot routine that the initialization tables are not
present in memory; accordingly, no run-time initialization is performed at boot time.
A loader must be able to perform the following tasks to use initialization at load time:
• Detect the presence of the .cinit section in the object file.
• Determine that STYP_COPY is set in the .cinit section header, so that it knows not to copy the .cinit
section into memory.
• Understand the format of the initialization tables.
Figure 7-6 illustrates the initialization of variables at load time.

Linker Example www.ti.com
Figure 7-6. Initialization at Load Time

Object file Memory
.cinit Loader
.bss
7.17.6 The --rom_model and --ram_model Linker Options

The following list outlines what happens when you invoke the linker with the --ram_model or --rom_model
option.
• The symbol _c_int00 is defined as the program entry point. The _c_int00 symbol is the start of the C
boot routine in boot.obj; referencing _c_int00 ensures that boot.obj is automatically linked in from the
appropriate run-time-support library.
• The .cinit output section is padded with a termination record to designate to the boot routine
(autoinitialize at run time) or the loader (initialize at load time) when to stop reading the initialization
tables.
• When you initialize at load time (--ram_model option):
– The linker sets cinit to -1. This indicates that the initialization tables are not in memory, so no
initialization is performed at run time.
– The STYP_COPY flag (0010h) is set in the .cinit section header. STYP_COPY is the special
attribute that tells the loader to perform initialization directly and not to load the .cinit section into
memory. The linker does not allocate space in memory for the .cinit section.
• When you autoinitialize at run time (--rom_model option), the linker defines cinit as the starting address
of the .cinit section. The C boot routine uses this symbol as the starting point for autoinitialization.
7.18 Linker Example

This example links three object files named demo.obj, ctrl.obj, and tables.obj and creates a program called
demo.out. The symbol SETUP is the program entry point.
Assume that target memory has the following program memory configuration:
Address Range Contents
0x0200 to 0x0A00 RAM
0x1100 to 0xFFF0 FLASH
0xFFE0 to 0xFFFF VECTORS
The output sections are constructed from the following input sections:
• Executable code, contained in the .text sections of demo.obj, ctrl.obj, and tables.obj, must be linked
into FLASH.
• A set of interrupt vectors, contained in the .intvecs section of tables.obj, must be linked at address
0xFFE0.
• A table of coefficients, contained in the .data section of tables.obj, must be linked into FLASH. The
remainder of block FLASH must be initialized to the value 0xFF00.

www.ti.com Linker Example
• A set of variables, contained in the .bss section of ctrl.obj, must be linked into RAM and preinitialized to
0x0100.
• Another .bss section in ctrl.obj must be linked into RAM.
Example 7-24 shows the link command file for this example. Example 7-25 shows the map file.
Example 7-24. Linker Command File, demo.cmd
/****************************************************************************/
/* Specify Linker Options */
/****************************************************************************/
--entry_point=SETUP /* Define the program entry point */
--output_file=demo.out /* Name the output file */
--map_file=demo.map /* Create an output map file */
/****************************************************************************/
/* Specify Input Files */
/****************************************************************************/
demo.obj
ctrl.obj
tables.obj
/****************************************************************************/
/* Specify System Memory Map */
/****************************************************************************/
MEMORY
{
SFR(R) : origin = 0x0000, length = 0x0010
PERIPHERALS_8BIT : origin = 0x0010, length = 0x00F0
PERIPHERALS_16BIT: origin = 0x0100, length = 0x0100
RAM(RW) : origin = 0x0200, length = 0x0800
INFOA : origin = 0x1080, length = 0x0080
INFOB : origin = 0x1000, length = 0x0080
FLASH : origin = 0x1100, length = 0xEEE0
VECTORS(R) : origin = 0xFFE0, length = 0x001E
}
/****************************************************************************/
/* Specify Output Sections */
/****************************************************************************/
SECTIONS
{
.text : {} > FLASH /* Link all .text section into flash */
.intvecs : {} > 0xFFE0 /* Link interrupt vectors. at 0xFFE0 */
.data : /* Link .data sections */
{
tables.obj(.data)
. = 0x400; /* Create hole at end of block */
} = 0xFF00 > FLASH /* Fill and link into FLASH */
ctrl_vars : /* Create new sections for ctrl variables */

{
ctrl.obj(.bss)
} = 0x0100 > RAM /* Fill with 0x0100 and link into RAM */
.bss : {} > RAM /* Link remaining .bss sections into RAM */

}
/****************************************************************************/
/* End of Command File */
/****************************************************************************/
Invoke the linker by entering the following command:
cl430 --run_linker demo.cmd

Linker Example www.ti.com
This creates the map file shown in Example 7-25 and an output file called demo.out that can be run on a
MSP430.
Example 7-25. Output Map File, demo.map
OUTPUT FILE NAME: <demo.out>

ENTRY POINT SYMBOL: "SETUP" address: 000000d4
MEMORY CONFIGURATION
name origin length attributes fill

-------- -------- --------- ---------- --------
P_MEM 00000000 000001000 RWIX
D_MEM 00001000 000001000 RWIX
EEPROM 08000000 000000400 RWIX
SECTION ALLOCATION MAP
output attributes/
section page origin length input sections
-------- ---- ---------- ---------- ----------------
.text 0 00000020 00000138
00000020 000000a0 ctrl.obj (.text)
000000c0 00000000 tables.obj (.text)
000000c0 00000098 demo.obj (.text)
.intvecs 0 00000000 00000020

00000000 00000020 tables.obj (.intvecs)
.data 0 08000000 00000400

08000000 00000168 tables.obj (.data)
08000168 00000298 --HOLE-- [fill = ff00ff00]
08000400 00000000 ctrl.obj (.data)
08000400 00000000 demo.obj (.data)
ctrl_var 0 00001000 00000500

00001000 00000500 ctrl.obj (.bss) [fill = 00000100]

00001500 00000100 demo.obj (.bss)
00001600 00000000 tables.obj (.bss)
GLOBAL SYMBOLS
address name address name
-------- ---- -------- ----
00001500 .bss 00000020 clear
08000000 .data 00000020 .text
00000020 .text 000000b8 set
000000d4 SETUP 000000c0 x42
00000020 clear 000000d4 SETUP
08000400 edata 00000158 etext
00001600 end 00001500 .bss
00000158 etext 00001600 end
000000b8 set 08000000 .data
000000c0 x42 08000400 edata
[10 symbols]

Chapter 8
Absolute Lister Description
The MSP430™ absolute lister is a debugging tool that accepts linked object files as input and creates .abs
files as output. These .abs files can be assembled to produce a listing that shows the absolute addresses
of object code. Manually, this could be a tedious process requiring many operations; however, the
absolute lister utility performs these operations automatically.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
8.1 Producing an Absolute Listing .................................................. 204

8.2 Invoking the Absolute Lister ..................................................... 205
8.3 Absolute Lister Example .......................................................... 206
SLAU131B – March 2008 Absolute Lister Description 203

Producing an Absolute Listing www.ti.com
8.1 Producing an Absolute Listing

Figure 8-1 illustrates the steps required to produce an absolute listing.
ÍÍ
Figure 8-1. Absolute Lister Development Flow
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
Step 1: Assembler First, assemble a source file.
source file
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
Assembler
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
Object
file
ÍÍ
Step 2: Link the resulting object file.
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
Linker
ÍÍ
ÍÍ
Linked object
ÍÍ
file
ÍÍ
Step 3: Invoke the absolute lister; use the linked ob-
ÍÍ
ject file as input. This creates a file with an .abs
Absolute extension.
ÍÍ
lister
ÍÍ
ÍÍ.abs
ÍÍ
file
ÍÍ
Step 4: Finally, assemble the .abs file; you must in-
ÍÍ
voke the assembler with the −a option. This
Assembler produces a listing file that contains absolute
ÍÍ addresses.
ÍÍ
Absolute
listing
204 Absolute Lister Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Invoking the Absolute Lister
8.2 Invoking the Absolute Lister

The syntax for invoking the absolute lister is:
abs430 [-options] input file
abs430 is the command that invokes the absolute lister.

options identifies the absolute lister options that you want to use. Options are not case sensitive
and can appear anywhere on the command line following the command. Precede each
option with a hyphen (-). The absolute lister options are as follows:
-e enables you to change the default naming conventions for filename extensions on
assembly files, C source files, and C header files. The valid options are:
• ea [.]asmext for assembly files (default is .asm)
• ec [.]cext for C source files (default is .c)
• eh [.]hext for C header files (default is .h)
• ep [.]pext for CPP source files (default is cpp)
The . in the extensions and the space between the option and the extension are
optional.
-q (quiet) suppresses the banner and all progress information.
input file names the linked object file. If you do not supply an extension, the absolute lister
assumes that the input file has the default extension .out. If you do not supply an input
filename when you invoke the absolute lister, the absolute lister prompts you for one.
The absolute lister produces an output file for each file that was linked. These files are named with the
input filenames and an extension of .abs. Header files, however, do not generate a corresponding .abs
file.
Assemble these files with the --absolute_listing assembler option as follows to create the absolute listing:
cl430 --absolute_listing filename.abs
The -e options affect both the interpretation of filenames on the command line and the names of the
output files. They should always precede any filename on the command line.
The -e options are useful when the linked object file was created from C files compiled with the debugging
option (--symdebug:dwarf compiler option). When the debugging option is set, the resulting linked object
file contains the name of the source files used to build it. In this case, the absolute lister does not generate
a corresponding .abs file for the C header files. Also, the .abs file corresponding to a C source file uses
the assembly file generated from the C source file rather than the C source file itself.
For example, suppose the C source file hello.csr is compiled with the debugging option set; the debugging
option generates the assembly file hello.s. The hello.csr file includes hello.hsr. Assuming the executable
file created is called hello.out, the following command generates the proper .abs file:
abs430 -ea s -ec csr -eh hsr hello.out
An .abs file is not created for hello.hsr (the header file), and hello.abs includes the assembly file hello.s,
not the C source file hello.csr.

Absolute Lister Example www.ti.com
8.3 Absolute Lister Example

This example uses three source files. The files module1.asm and module2.asm both include the file
globals.def.
module1.asm
.global dflag
.global array
.global offset
.bss dflag,1
.bss array,100
.text
MOV &array,R11
MOV &offset,R12
ADD R12,R11
MOV @R11,&dflag
module2.asm
.global dflag
.global array
.global offset
.bss offset,1
.text
MOV &offset,R14
globals.def
.global dflag
.global array
.global offset
The following steps create absolute listings for the files module1.asm and module2.asm:
1. First, assemble module1.asm and module2.asm:
cl430 module1
cl430 module2
This creates two object files called module1.obj and module2.obj.
2. Next, link module1.obj and module2.obj using the following linker command file, called bttest.cmd:
--output_file=bttest.out
--map_file=bttest.map
module1.obj
module2.obj
MEMORY
{
RAM: origin=0x0200, length=0x0800
FLASH: origin=0x1100, length=0xEEE0
}
SECTIONS
{
.bss: > RAM
.text: > FLASH
}
Invoke the linker:
cl430 --run_linker bttest.cmd
This command creates an executable object file called bttest.out; use this new file as input for the
absolute lister.

www.ti.com Absolute Lister Example
3. Now, invoke the absolute lister:
abs430 bttest.out
module1.abs:
.nolist
.text .setsym 000001100h
__text__ .setsym 000001100h
etext .setsym 000001112h
__etext__ .setsym 000001112h
.bss .setsym 000000200h
__bss__ .setsym 000000200h
end .setsym 000000266h
__end__ .setsym 000000266h
array .setsym 000000201h
dflag .setsym 000000200h
offset .setsym 000000265h
.setsect ".text",000001100h
.setsect ".bss",000000200h
.setsect ".debug_line",000000000h
.list
.text
.copy "module1.asm"
module2.abs:
.nolist
.text .setsym 000001100h
__text__ .setsym 000001100h
etext .setsym 000001112h
__etext__ .setsym 000001112h
.bss .setsym 000000200h
__bss__ .setsym 000000200h
end .setsym 000000266h
__end__ .setsym 000000266h
array .setsym 000000201h
dflag .setsym 000000200h
offset .setsym 000000265h
.setsect ".text",00000110eh
.setsect ".bss",000000265h
.setsect ".debug_line",00000003ah
.setsect ".debug_info",00000014fh
.list
.text
.copy "module2.asm"
These files contain the following information that the assembler needs for step 4:
• They contain .setsym directives, which equate values to global symbols. Both files contain global
equates for the symbols dflag and offset. The symbols dflag and array were defined in the file
module1.asm. The symbol offset was defined in the file module2.asm.
• They contain .setsect directives, which define the absolute addresses for sections.
• They contain .copy directives, which defines the assembly language source file to include.
The .setsym and .setsect directives are useful only for creating absolute listings, not normal assembly.
4. Finally, assemble the .abs files created by the absolute lister (remember that you must use the
--absolute_listing option when you invoke the assembler):
cl430 --absolute_listing module1.abs
cl430 --absolute_listing module2.abs

This command sequence creates two listing files called module1.lst and module2.lst; no object code is
produced. These listing files are similar to normal listing files; however, the addresses shown are
absolute addresses.
The absolute listing files created are module1.lst (see Example 8-1 ) and module2.lst (see Example
8-2).

Absolute Lister Example www.ti.com
Example 8-1. module1.lst
MSP430 Assembler Unix v3.0.0 Tue Mar 18 15:23:58 2008

module1.abs PAGE 1
17 001100 .text
18 .copy "module1.asm"
A 1 .global dflag
A 2 .global array
A 3 .global offset
A 4 000200 .bss dflag,1
A 5 000201 .bss array,100
A 6 001100 .text
A 7 001100 421B MOV &array,R11
001102 0201!
A 8 001104 421C MOV &offset,R12
001106 0265!
A 9 001108 5C0B ADD R12,R11
A 10 00110a 4BA2 MOV @R11,&dflag
00110c 0200!
No Assembly Errors, No Assembly Warnings
Example 8-2. module2.lst
MSP430 Assembler Unix v3.0.0 Tue Mar 18 15:24:00 2008

module2.abs PAGE 1
18 00110e .text
19 .copy "module2.asm"
A 1 .global dflag
A 2 .global array
A 3 .global offset
A 4 000265 .bss offset,1
A 5 00110e .text
A 6 00110e 421E MOV &offset,R14
001110 0265!
No Assembly Errors, No Assembly Warnings

Chapter 9
Cross-Reference Lister Description
The MSP430™ cross-reference lister is a debugging tool. This utility accepts linked object files as input
and produces a cross-reference listing as output. This listing shows symbols, their definitions, and their
references in the linked source files.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
9.1 Producing a Cross-Reference Listing ........................................ 210

9.2 Invoking the Cross-Reference Lister .......................................... 210
9.3 Cross-Reference Listing Example ............................................. 211
SLAU131B – March 2008 Cross-Reference Lister Description 209

Producing a Cross-Reference Listing www.ti.com
9.1 Producing a Cross-Reference Listing

Figure 9-1 illustrates the steps required to produce a cross-reference listing.
Figure 9-1. The Cross-Reference Lister in the MSP430 Software Development Flow
Step 1: Assembler First, invoke the assembler with the -ax option.
source file This option produces a cross-reference table
in the listing file and adds to the object file
cross-reference information. By default, the
Assembler assembler cross-references only global
symbols. If you use the -as option when
invoking the assembler, it cross-references
local symbols as well.
Object
file
Step 2: Link the object file (.obj) to obtain an
executable object file (.out).
Link step
Linked object
file
Step 3: Invoke the cross-reference lister. The following
section provides the command syntax for
Cross-reference invoking the cross-reference lister utility.
lister
Cross-reference
listing
9.2 Invoking the Cross-Reference Lister

To use the cross-reference utility, the file must be assembled with the correct options and then linked into
an executable file. Assemble the assembly language files with the --cross_reference option. This option
creates a cross-reference listing and adds cross-reference information to the object file. By default, the
assembler cross-references only global symbols, but if the assembler is invoked with the
--output_all_syms option, local symbols are also added. Link the object files to obtain an executable file.
To invoke the cross-reference lister, enter the following:
xref430 [options] [input filename [output filename]]
xref430 is the command that invokes the cross-reference utility.

options identifies the cross-reference lister options you want to use. Options are not case
sensitive and can appear anywhere on the command line following the command.
-l (lowercase L) specifies the number of lines per page for the output file. The format
of the -l option is -lnum, where num is a decimal constant. For example, -l30 sets
the number of lines per page in the output file to 30. The space between the
option and the decimal constant is optional. The default is 60 lines per page.
-q suppresses the banner and all progress information (run quiet).
input filename is a linked object file. If you omit the input filename, the utility prompts for a filename.
210 Cross-Reference Lister Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Cross-Reference Listing Example
output filename is the name of the cross-reference listing file. If you omit the output filename, the default
filename is the input filename with an .xrf extension.
9.3 Cross-Reference Listing Example

Example 9-1 is an example of cross-reference listing.
Example 9-1. Cross-Reference Listing
MSP430 XREF Utility v3.0.0

2003-2008
File: test.out Tue Mar 18 15:35:55 2008 Page: 1
================================================================================

2003-2008
================================================================================
Symbol: array
Filename RTYP AsmVal LnkVal DefLn RefLn RefLn RefLn

________ ____ ________ ________ ______ _______ _______ _______
module1.asm EDEF -0001 0201 5 2 7
================================================================================

2003-2008
================================================================================
Symbol: dflag

________ ____ ________ ________ ______ _______ _______ _______
module1.asm EDEF -0000 0200 4 1 10
================================================================================

2003-2008
================================================================================
Symbol: offset

________ ____ ________ ________ ______ _______ _______ _______
module1.asm EREF 0000 0265 3 8
module2.asm EDEF -0000 0265 4 3 6
================================================================================
The terms defined below appear in the preceding cross-reference listing:
SLAU131B – March 2008 Cross-Reference Lister Description 211

Cross-Reference Listing Example www.ti.com
Symbol Name of the symbol listed

Filename Name of the file where the symbol appears
RTYP The symbol's reference type in this file. The possible reference types are:
STAT The symbol is defined in this file and is not declared as global.
EDEF The symbol is defined in this file and is declared as global.
EREF The symbol is not defined in this file but is referenced as global.
UNDF The symbol is not defined in this file and is not declared as global.
AsmVal This hexadecimal number is the value assigned to the symbol at assembly time. A
value may also be preceded by a character that describes the symbol's attributes.
Table 9-1 lists these characters and names.
LnkVal This hexadecimal number is the value assigned to the symbol after linking.
DefLn The statement number where the symbol is defined.
RefLn The line number where the symbol is referenced. If the line number is followed by an
asterisk (*), then that reference can modify the contents of the object. A blank in this
column indicates that the symbol was never used.
Table 9-1. Symbol Attributes in Cross-Reference

Listing
Character Meaning
' Symbol defined in a .text section
" Symbol defined in a .data section
+ Symbol defined in a .sect section
- Symbol defined in a .bss or .usect section
212 Cross-Reference Lister Description SLAU131B – March 2008

Chapter 10
Object File Utilities Descriptions
This chapter describes how to invoke the following miscellaneous utilities:

• The object file display utility prints the contents of object files, executable files, and/or archive
libraries in both text and XML formats.
• The disassembler accepts object files and executable files as input and produces an assembly listing
as output. This listing shows assembly instructions, their opcodes, and the section program counter
values.
• The name utility prints a list of names defined and referenced in an object or executable file.
• The strip utility removes symbol table and debugging information from object and executable files.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
10.1 Invoking the Object File Display Utility....................................... 214

10.2 Invoking the Disassembler ....................................................... 215
10.3 Invoking the Name Utility ......................................................... 216
10.4 Invoking the Strip Utility ........................................................... 217
SLAU131B – March 2008 Object File Utilities Descriptions 213

Invoking the Object File Display Utility www.ti.com
10.1 Invoking the Object File Display Utility

The object file display utility, ofd430, prints the contents of object files (.obj), executable files (.out), and/or
archive libraries (.lib) in both text and XML formats.
To invoke the object file display utility, enter the following:
ofd430 [options] input filename [input filename]
ofd430 is the command that invokes the object file display utility.
input filename names the object file (.obj), executable file (.out), or archive library (.lib) source file.
The filename must contain an extension.
options identify the object file display utility options that you want to use. Options are not case
sensitive and can appear anywhere on the command line following the command.
Precede each option with a hyphen.
-g appends DWARF debug information to program output.
-o=filename sends program output to filename rather than to the
screen.
-x displays output in XML format.
If an archive file is given as input to the object file display utility, each object file member of the archive is
processed as if it was passed on the command line. The object file members are processed in the order in
which they appear in the archive file.
If the object file display utility is invoked without any options, it displays information about the contents of
the input files on the console screen.
Object File Display Format

Note: The object file display utility produces data in a text format by default. This data is not
intended to be used as machine or software input.
214 Object File Utilities Descriptions SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Invoking the Disassembler
10.2 Invoking the Disassembler

The disassembler, dis430, examines the output of the assembler or linker. This utility accepts an object
file or executable file as input and writes the disassembled object code to standard output or a specified
file.
To invoke the disassembler, enter the following:
dis430 [options] input filename[.ext] [output filename]
dis430 is the command that invokes the disassembler.

options identifies the name utility options you want to use. Options are not case
sensitive and can appear anywhere on the command line following the
invocation. Precede each option with a hyphen (-). The name utility options
are as follows:
-a disables the display of the branch destination address along with
label names within instructions.
-b displays data as bytes instead of words
-c dumps the object file information.
-d disables display of data sections.
-h shows the current help screen.
-I disassembles .text sections as data.
-i disassembles .data sections as instructions.
-q (quiet mode) suppresses the banner and all progress information.
-qq (super quiet mode) suppresses all headers.
-R shows run-time address if different from load-time address.
-r uses raw register IDs (R0, R1, etc.
-s suppresses printing of opcode and section program counter in the
listing. When you use this option along with –qq, the disassembly
listing looks like the original assembly source file.
-t disables the display of .text sections in the listing.
input filename[.ext] is the name of the input file. If the optional extension is not specified, the file is
searched for in this order:
1. infile
2. infile.out, an executable file
3. infile.obj, an object file
output filename is the name of the optional output file to which the disassembly will be written.
If an output filename is not specified, the disassembly is written to standard
output.

Invoking the Name Utility www.ti.com
10.3 Invoking the Name Utility

The name utility, nm430, prints the list of names defined and referenced in an object (.obj) or an
executable file (.out). It also prints the symbol value and an indication of the kind of symbol.
To invoke the name utility, enter the following:
nm430 [-options] [input filenames]
nm430 is the command that invokes the name utility.

input filename is an object file (.obj) or an executable file (.out).
options identifies the name utility options you want to use. Options are not case sensitive and
can appear anywhere on the command line following the invocation. Precede each
option with a hyphen (-). The name utility options are as follows:
-a prints all symbols.
-c also prints C_NULL symbols for a COFF object module.
-d also prints debug symbols for a COFF object module.
-f prepends file name to each symbol.
-g prints only global symbols.
-h shows the current help screen.
-l produces a detailed listing of the symbol information.
-n sorts symbols numerically rather than alphabetically.
-o file outputs to the given file.
-p causes the name utility to not sort any symbols.
-q (quiet mode) suppresses the banner and all progress information.
-r sorts symbols in reverse order.
-s lists symbols in the dynamic symbol table for an ELF object module.
-t also prints tag information symbols for a COFF object module.
-u only prints undefined symbols.

www.ti.com Invoking the Strip Utility
10.4 Invoking the Strip Utility

The strip utility, strip430, removes symbol table and debugging information from object and executable
files.
To invoke the strip utility, enter the following:
strip430 [-p] input filename [input filename]
strip430 is the command that invokes the strip utility.

input filename is an object file (.obj) or an executable file (.out).
options identifies the strip utility options you want to use. Options are not case sensitive and can
appear anywhere on the command line following the invocation. Precede each option
with a hyphen (-). The strip utility option is as follows:
-o filename writes the stripped output to filename.
-p removes all information not required for execution. This option causes more
information to be removed than the default behavior, but the object file is
left in a state that cannot be linked. This option should be used only with
executable (.out) files.
When the strip utility is invoked without the -o option, the input object files are replaced with the stripped
version.

Chapter 11
Hex Conversion Utility Description
The MSP430™ assembler and linker create object files which are in binary formats that encourage
modular programming and provide powerful and flexible methods for managing code segments and target
system memory.
Most EPROM programmers do not accept object files as input. The hex conversion utility converts an
object file into one of several standard ASCII hexadecimal formats, suitable for loading into an EPROM
programmer. The utility is also useful in other applications requiring hexadecimal conversion of an object
file (for example, when using debuggers and loaders).
The hex conversion utility can produce these output file formats:
• ASCII-Hex, supporting 16-bit addresses
• Extended Tektronix (Tektronix)
• Intel MCS-86 (Intel)
• Motorola Exorciser (Motorola-S), supporting 16-bit addresses
• Texas Instruments SDSMAC (TI-Tagged), supporting 16-bit addresses
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
11.1 The Hex Conversion Utility's Role in the Software Development

Flow....................................................................................... 220
11.2 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility ........................................... 221
11.3 Understanding Memory Widths ................................................. 224
11.4 The ROMS Directive ................................................................. 228
11.5 The SECTIONS Directive .......................................................... 232
11.6 Excluding a Specified Section................................................... 233
11.7 Assigning Output Filenames ..................................................... 233
11.8 Image Mode and the -fill Option ................................................ 234
11.9 Controlling the ROM Device Address ......................................... 235
11.10 Description of the Object Formats............................................ 236
SLAU131B – March 2008 Hex Conversion Utility Description 219

The Hex Conversion Utility's Role in the Software Development Flow www.ti.com
11.1 The Hex Conversion Utility's Role in the Software Development Flow
Figure 11-1 highlights the role of the hex conversion utility in the software development process.
Figure 11-1. The Hex Conversion Utility in the MSP430 Software Development Flow
C/C++
source
files
Macro
source C/C++
files compiler
C/C++ name
Assembler
Archiver demangling
source
utility
Macro
library Assembler
Object
files
Run-time-
Library of support
object library
files Linker
Executable
object file
Hex-conversion
utility

Absolute lister
220 Hex Conversion Utility Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility
11.2 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility
There are two basic methods for invoking the hex conversion utility:
• Specify the options and filenames on the command line. The following example converts the file
firmware.out into TI-Tagged format, producing two output files, firm.lsb and firm.msb.
hex430 -t firmware -o firm.lsb -o firm.msb
• Specify the options and filenames in a command file. You can create a batch file that stores
command line options and filenames for invoking the hex conversion utility. The following example
invokes the utility using a command file called hexutil.cmd:
hex430 hexutil.cmd
In addition to regular command line information, you can use the hex conversion utility ROMS and
SECTIONS directives in a command file.
11.2.1 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility From the Command Line
To invoke the hex conversion utility, enter:

hex430 [options] filename
hex430 is the command that invokes the hex conversion utility.

options supplies additional information that controls the hex conversion process. You can use
options on the command line or in a command file. Table 11-1 lists the basic options.
• All options are preceded by a hyphen and are not case sensitive.
• Several options have an additional parameter that must be separated from the option
by at least one space.
• Options with multicharacter names must be spelled exactly as shown in this document;
no abbreviations are allowed.
• Options are not affected by the order in which they are used. The exception to this rule
is the -q (quiet) option, which must be used before any other options.
filename names an object file or a command file (for more information, see Section 11.2.2). If you
do not specify a filename, the utility prompts you for one.

Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility www.ti.com
Table 11-1. Basic Hex Conversion Utility Options

General Options Option Description See
Control the overall operation of -exclude=section_name Ignore specified section Section 11.6
the hex conversion utility.
-linkerfill Include linker fill sections in images
-map=filename Generate a map file Section 11.4.2
-o=filename Specify an output filename Section 11.7
-quiet, -q Run quietly (when used, it must appear before Section 11.2.2
other options)
Image Options Option Description See
Create a continuous image of a -fill=value Fill holes with value Section 11.8.2
range of target memory
-image Specify image mode Section 11.8.1
-zero Reset the address origin to 0 in image mode Section 11.8.3
Memory Options Option Description See
Configure the memory widths for -memwidth=value Define the system memory word width (default Section 11.3.2
your output files 16 bits)
--order LS Output file is in little-endian format Section 11.3.4
--order MS Output file is in big-endian format Section 11.3.4
-romwidth=value Specify the ROM device width (default Section 11.3.3
depends on format used)
Output Options Option Description See
Specify the output format -a Select ASCII-Hex Section 11.10.1
-i Select Intel Section 11.10.2
-m Select Motorola-S Section 11.10.3
-t Select TI-Tagged Section 11.10.4
--ti_txt Select TI-Txt Section 11.10.5
-x Select Tektronix (default) Section 11.10.6

www.ti.com Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility
11.2.2 Invoking the Hex Conversion Utility With a Command File

A command file is useful if you plan to invoke the utility more than once with the same input files and
options. It is also useful if you want to use the ROMS and SECTIONS hex conversion utility directives to
customize the conversion process.
Command files are ASCII files that contain one or more of the following:
• Options and filenames. These are specified in a command file in exactly the same manner as on the
command line.
• ROMS directive. The ROMS directive defines the physical memory configuration of your system as a
list of address-range parameters. (See Section 11.4.)
• SECTIONS directive. The hex conversion utility SECTIONS directive specifies which sections from the
object file are selected. (See Section 11.5.)
• Comments. You can add comments to your command file by using the /* and */ delimiters. For
example:
/* This is a comment. */
To invoke the utility and use the options you defined in a command file, enter:
hex430 command_filename
You can also specify other options and files on the command line. For example, you could invoke the
utility by using both a command file and command line options:
hex430 firmware.cmd -map firmware.mxp
The order in which these options and filenames appear is not important. The utility reads all input from the
command line and all information from the command file before starting the conversion process. However,
if you are using the -q option, it must appear as the first option on the command line or in a command file.
The -q option suppresses the hex conversion utility's normal banner and progress information.
• Assume that a command file named firmware.cmd contains these lines:
firmware.out /* input file */
-t /* TI-Tagged */
-o firm.lsb /* output file */
-o firm.msb /* output file */
You can invoke the hex conversion utility by entering:
hex430 firmware.cmd
• This example shows how to convert a file called appl.out into eight hex files in Intel format. Each output
file is one byte wide and 4K bytes long.
appl.out /* input file */
-I /* Intel format */
-map appl.mxp /* map file */
ROMS
{
ROW1: origin=0x00000000 len=0x4000 romwidth=8
files={ appl.u0 appl.u1 app1.u2 appl.u3 }
ROW2: origin=0x00004000 len=0x4000 romwidth=8
files={ app1.u4 appl.u5 appl.u6 appl.u7 }
}
SECTIONS
{ .text, .data, .cinit, .sect1, .vectors, .const:
}

Understanding Memory Widths www.ti.com
11.3 Understanding Memory Widths
The hex conversion utility makes your memory architecture more flexible by allowing you to specify
memory and ROM widths. To use the hex conversion utility, you must understand how the utility treats
word widths. Three widths are important in the conversion process:
• Target width
• Memory width
• ROM width
The terms target word, memory word, and ROM word refer to a word of such a width.
Figure 11-2 illustrates the two separate and distinct phases of the hex conversion utility's process flow.
Figure 11-2. Hex Conversion Utility Process Flow

Raw data in object files is
represented in the target’s
addressable units. For the
MSP430, this is eight bits.
Input file
The raw data in the object file

is grouped into words according
Phase I to the size specified by the
-memwidth option.
The memwidth-sized words are

broken up according to the size
specified by the -romwidth option
Phase II
and are written to a file(s)
according to the specified format
(i.e., Intel, Tektronix, etc.).
Output file(s)
11.3.1 Target Width

Target width is the unit size (in bits) of the target processor's word. The unit size corresponds to the data
bus size on the target processor. The width is fixed for each target and cannot be changed. The MSP430
targets have a width of 16 bits.

www.ti.com Understanding Memory Widths
11.3.2 Specifying the Memory Width
Memory width is the physical width (in bits) of the memory system. Usually, the memory system is
physically the same width as the target processor width: a 32-bit processor has a 32-bit memory
architecture. However, some applications require target words to be broken into multiple, consecutive, and
narrower memory words.
By default, the hex conversion utility sets memory width to the target width (in this case, 16 bits).
You can change the memory width (except for TI-TXT format) by:
• Using the -memwidth option. This changes the memory width value for the entire file.
• Setting the memwidth parameter of the ROMS directive. This changes the memory width value for the
address range specified in the ROMS directive and overrides the -memwidth option for that range. See
Section 11.4.
For both methods, use a value that is a power of 2 greater than or equal to 8.
You should change the memory width default value of 16 only when you need to break single target words
into consecutive, narrower memory words.
TI-TXT Format is 8 Bits Wide

Note: You cannot change the memory width of the TI-TXT format. The TI-TXT hex format supports
an 8-bit memory width only.
Figure 11-3 demonstrates how the memory width is related to object file data.
Figure 11-3. Object File Data and Memory Widths
Source file
.word 0AABBh
.word 01122h
. . .
Data width = 16 (fixed)
0AABBh
01122h
. . .
Memory widths (variable)

data width = 16
-memwidth 16 (default) -memwidth 8
Data after AABB BB

phase I
of hex 430 1122 AA
. . .
22
11
. . .

Understanding Memory Widths www.ti.com
11.3.3 Partitioning Data Into Output Files

ROM width specifies the physical width (in bits) of each ROM device and corresponding output file
(usually one byte or eight bits). The ROM width determines how the hex conversion utility partitions the
data into output files. After the object file data is mapped to the memory words, the memory words are
broken into one or more output files. The number of output files is determined by the following formulas:
• If memory width ≥ ROM width:
number of files = memory width ÷ ROM width
• If memory width < ROM width:
number of files = 1
For example, for a memory width of 16, you could specify a ROM width value of 16 and get a single
output file containing 16 bits words. Or you can use a ROM width value of to get two files, each containing
bits of each word.
The default ROM width that the hex conversion utility uses depends on the output format:
• All hex formats except TI-Tagged are configured as lists of 8-bit bytes; the default ROM width for these
formats is 8 bits.
• TI-Tagged is a 16-bit format; the default ROM width for TI-Tagged is 16 bits.
The TI-Tagged Format is 16 Bits Wide

Note: You cannot change the ROM width of the TI-Tagged format. The TI-Tagged format supports
a 16-bit ROM width only.
TI-TXT Format is 8 Bits Wide

Note: You cannot change the memory width of the TI-TXT format. The TI-TXT hex format supports
an 8-bit memory width only.
You can change ROM width (except for TI-Tagged format) by:
• Using the -romwidth option. This option changes the ROM width value for the entire object file.
• Setting the romwidth parameter of the ROMS directive. This parameter changes the ROM width value
for a specific ROM address range and overrides the -romwidth option for that range. See Section 11.4.
For both methods, use a value that is a power of 2 greater than or equal to 8.
If you select a ROM width that is wider than the natural size of the output format (16 bits for TI-Tagged or
8 bits for all others), the utility simply writes multibyte fields into the file.
Figure 11-4 illustrates how the object file data, memory, and ROM widths are related to one another.

www.ti.com Understanding Memory Widths
Figure 11-4. Data, Memory, and ROM Widths
Source file
.word 0AABBCDDh
.word 01122344h
. . .
Data width = 16 (fixed)

0AABBh
01122h
. . .
Memory widths (variable)
-memwidth 16 -memwidth 8
Data after AABB BB
phase I
of hex 430 1122 AA
. . .
22
11
. . .
Output files
-romwidth 16
-o file.wrd AABB1122 . . .
Data after -romwidth 8

phase II -o file.b0 BB 22 . . .
of hex 430
-o file.b1 AA 11 . . .
-romwidth 8
-o file.byt BBAA2211 . . .
11.3.4 Specifying Word Order for Output Words

When memory words are wider than ROM words (memory width > ROM width), memory words are split
into multiple consecutive ROM words. There are two ways to split a wide word into consecutive memory
locations in the same hex conversion utility output file:
• --order MS specifies big-endian ordering, in which the most significant part of the wide word occupies
the first of the consecutive locations.
• --order LS specifies little-endian ordering, in which the least significant part of the wide word occupies
the first of the consecutive locations.
By default, the utility uses little-endian format. Unless your boot loader program expects big-endian format,
avoid using --order MS.

The ROMS Directive www.ti.com
11.4 The ROMS Directive
The ROMS directive specifies the physical memory configuration of your system as a list of address-range
parameters.
Each address range produces one set of files containing the hex conversion utility output data that
corresponds to that address range. Each file can be used to program one single ROM device.
The ROMS directive is similar to the MEMORY directive of the MSP430 linker: both define the memory
map of the target address space. Each line entry in the ROMS directive defines a specific address range.
The general syntax is:
ROMS
{
romname : [origin=value,] [length=value,] [romwidth=value,]
[ memwidth=value,] [fill=value]
[files={filename1, filename2, ...}]
romname : [origin=value,] [length=value,] [romwidth=value,]
[ memwidth=value,] [fill=value]
[files={filename1, filename2, ...}]
...
}
ROMS begins the directive definition.

romname identifies a memory range. The name of the memory range can be one to eight
characters in length. The name has no significance to the program; it simply identifies
the range. (Duplicate memory range names are allowed.)
origin specifies the starting address of a memory range. It can be entered as origin, org, or o.
The associated value must be a decimal, octal, or hexadecimal constant. If you omit
the origin value, the origin defaults to 0. The following table summarizes the notation
you can use to specify a decimal, octal, or hexadecimal constant:
Constant Notation Example

Hexadecimal 0x prefix or h suffix 0x77 or 077h
Octal 0 prefix 077
Decimal No prefix or suffix 77
length specifies the length of a memory range as the physical length of the ROM device. It
can be entered as length, len, or l. The value must be a decimal, octal, or hexadecimal
constant. If you omit the length value, it defaults to the length of the entire address
space.
romwidth specifies the physical ROM width of the range in bits (see Section 11.3.3). Any value
you specify here overrides the -romwidth option. The value must be a decimal, octal,
or hexadecimal constant that is a power of 2 greater than or equal to 8.
memwidth specifies the memory width of the range in bits (see Section 11.3.2). Any value you
specify here overrides the -memwidth option. The value must be a decimal, octal, or
hexadecimal constant that is a power of 2 greater than or equal to 8. When using the
memwidth parameter, you must also specify the paddr parameter for each section in
the SECTIONS directive. (See Section 11.5.)

www.ti.com The ROMS Directive
fill specifies a fill value to use for the range. In image mode, the hex conversion utility
uses this value to fill any holes between sections in a range. A hole is an area between
the input sections that comprises an output section that contains no actual code or
data. The fill value must be a decimal, octal, or hexadecimal constant with a width
equal to the target width. Any value you specify here overrides the -fill option. When
using fill, you must also use the -image command line option. (See Section 11.8.2.)
files identifies the names of the output files that correspond to this range. Enclose the list of
names in curly braces and order them from least significant to most significant output
file, where the bits of the memory word are numbered from right to left. The number of
file names must equal the number of output files that the range generates. To calculate
the number of output files, see Section 11.3.3. The utility warns you if you list too many
or too few filenames.
Unless you are using the -image option, all of the parameters that define a range are optional; the
commas and equal signs are also optional. A range with no origin or length defines the entire address
space. In image mode, an origin and length are required for all ranges.
Ranges must not overlap and must be listed in order of ascending address.
11.4.1 When to Use the ROMS Directive

If you do not use a ROMS directive, the utility defines a single default range that includes the entire
address space. This is equivalent to a ROMS directive with a single range without origin or length.
Use the ROMS directive when you want to:
• Program large amounts of data into fixed-size ROMs. When you specify memory ranges
corresponding to the length of your ROMs, the utility automatically breaks the output into blocks that fit
into the ROMs.
• Restrict output to certain segments. You can also use the ROMS directive to restrict the conversion
to a certain segment or segments of the target address space. The utility does not convert the data
that falls outside of the ranges defined by the ROMS directive. Sections can span range boundaries;
the utility splits them at the boundary into multiple ranges. If a section falls completely outside any of
the ranges you define, the utility does not convert that section and issues no messages or warnings.
Thus, you can exclude sections without listing them by name with the SECTIONS directive. However, if
a section falls partially in a range and partially in unconfigured memory, the utility issues a warning and
converts only the part within the range.
• Use image mode. When you use the -image option, you must use a ROMS directive. Each range is
filled completely so that each output file in a range contains data for the whole range. Holes before,
between, or after sections are filled with the fill value from the ROMS directive, with the value specified
with the -fill option, or with the default value of 0.

The ROMS Directive www.ti.com
11.4.2 An Example of the ROMS Directive

The ROMS directive in Example 11-1 shows how 16K bytes of 16-bit memory could be partitioned for two
8K-byte 8-bit EPROMs. Figure 11-5 illustrates the input and output files.
Example 11-1. A ROMS Directive Example
infile.out
-image
-memwidth 16
ROMS
}
EPROM1: org = 0x4000, len = 0x2000, romwidth = 8
files = { rom4000.b0, rom4000.b1}
EPROM2: org = 0x6000, len = 0x2000, romwidth = 8,

fill = 0xFF00,
files = { rom6000.b0, rom6000.b1}
}
Figure 11-5. The infile.out File Partitioned Into Four Output Files
COFF file: Output files:
infile.out EPROM1
rom4000.b0 rom4000.b1
0x4000 0x4000
.text (org) .text .text
0x487F 0x4880
0x5B80 0h 0h
.data 0x5B80
0x633F .data .data
0x6700 0x5FFF
.table
Width = 8 bits
0x7C7F len = 2000h (8K)
EPROM2
rom6000.b0 rom6000.b1
0x6000
.data .data
0x6340
FFh 00h
0x6700
.table .table
0x7C80
FFh 00h
0x7FFF
The map file (specified with the -map option) is advantageous when you use the ROMS directive with
multiple ranges. The map file shows each range, its parameters, names of associated output files, and a
list of contents (section names and fill values) broken down by address. Example 11-2 is a segment of the
map file resulting from the example in Example 11-1.

www.ti.com The ROMS Directive
Example 11-2. Map File Output From Example 11-1 Showing Memory Ranges
-----------------------------------------------------
4000..5fff Page=0 Width=8 "EPROM1"
-----------------------------------------------------
OUTPUT FILES: rom4000.b0 [b0..b7]
rom4000.b1 [b8..b15]
CONTENTS: 4000..487f .text
4880..5b7f FILL = 0000
5b80..5fff .data
-----------------------------------------------------
6000..7fff Page=0 Width=8 "EPROM2"
-----------------------------------------------------
OUTPUT FILES: rom6000.b0 [b0..b7]
rom6000.b1 [b8..b15]
CONTENTS: 6000..633f .data
6340..66ff FILL = ff00
6700..7c7f .table
7c80..7fff FILL = ff00
EPROM1 defines the address range from 0x4000 through 0x5FFF with the following sections:
This section ... Has this range ...
.text 0x4000 through 0x487F
.data 0x5B80 through 0x5FFF
The rest of the range is filled with 0h (the default fill value), converted into two output files:
• rom4000.b0 contains bits 0 through 7
EPROM2 defines the address range from 0x6000 through 0x7FFF with the following sections:
This section ... Has this range ...
.data 0x6000 through 0x633F
.table 0x6700 through 0x7C7F
The rest of the range is filled with 0xFF00 (from the specified fill value). The data from this range is
converted into two output files:

11.5 The SECTIONS Directive

You can convert specific sections of the object file by name with the hex conversion utility SECTIONS
directive. You can also specify those sections that you want to locate in ROM at a different address than
the load address specified in the linker command file. If you:
• Use a SECTIONS directive, the utility converts only the sections that you list in the directive and
ignores all other sections in the object file.
• Do not use a SECTIONS directive, the utility converts all initialized sections that fall within the
configured memory. For the MSP430 these sections are .text, .const, and .cinit.
Uninitialized sections are never converted, whether or not you specify them in a SECTIONS directive.
Sections Generated by the C/C++ Compiler

Note: The MSP430 C/C++ compiler automatically generates these sections:
• Initialized sections: .text, .const, and .cinit
• Uninitialized sections: .bss, .stack, and .sysmem
Use the SECTIONS directive in a command file. (See Section 11.2.2.) The general syntax for the
SECTIONS directive is:
SECTIONS
{
sname[:] [paddr=value][,]
sname[:] [paddr=value][,]
...
}
SECTIONS begins the directive definition.

sname identifies a section in the input file. If you specify a section that does not exist, the
utility issues a warning and ignores the name.
paddr=value specifies the physical ROM address at which this section should be located. This value
overrides the section load address given by the linker. This value must be a decimal,
octal, or hexadecimal constant. If your file contains multiple sections, and if one
section uses a paddr parameter, then all sections must use a paddr parameter.
For more similarity with the linker's SECTIONS directive, you can use colons after the section names. For
example, the data in your application (section partB) must be loaded on the EPROM at address 0x0. Use
the paddr option with the SECTIONS directive to specify this:
SECTIONS
{
partB: paddr = 0x0
}
The commas separating section names are optional. For example, the COFF file contains six initialized
sections: .text, .data, .const, .vectors, .coeff, and .tables. Suppose you want only .text and .data to be
converted. Use a SECTIONS directive to specify this:
SECTIONS { .text, .data }

www.ti.com Excluding a Specified Section
11.6 Excluding a Specified Section

The -exclude section_name option can be used to inform the hex utility to ignore the specified section. If a
SECTIONS directive is used, it overrides the -exclude option.
For example, if a SECTIONS directive containing the section name mysect is used and an -exclude
mysect is specified, the SECTIONS directive takes precedence and mysect is not excluded.
The -exclude option has a limited wildcard capability. The * character can be placed at the beginning or
end of the name specifier to indicate a suffix or prefix, respectively. For example, -exclude sect*
disqualifies all sections that begin with the characters sect.
If you specify the -exclude option on the command line with the * wildcard, enter quotes around the
section name and wildcard. For example, -exclude"sect*". Using quotes prevents the * form being
interpreted by the hex conversion utility. If -exclude is in a command file, then the quotes should not be
specified.
11.7 Assigning Output Filenames

When the hex conversion utility translates your object file into a data format, it partitions the data into one
or more output files. When multiple files are formed by splitting memory words into ROM words, filenames
are always assigned in order from least to most significant, where bits in the memory words are numbered
from right to left. This is true, regardless of target or endian ordering.
The hex conversion utility follows this sequence when assigning output filenames:
1. It looks for the ROMS directive. If a file is associated with a range in the ROMS directive and you
have included a list of files (files = {. . .}) on that range, the utility takes the filename from the list.
For example, assume that the target data is 16-bit words being converted to two files, each eight bits
wide. To name the output files using the ROMS directive, you could specify:
ROMS
{
RANGE1: romwidth=8, files={ xyz.b0 xyz.b1 }
}
The utility creates the output files by writing the least significant bits to xyz.b0 and the most significant
bits to xyz.b1.
2. It looks for the -o options. You can specify names for the output files by using the -o option. If no
filenames are listed in the ROMS directive and you use -o options, the utility takes the filename from
the list of -o options. The following line has the same effect as the example above using the ROMS
directive:
-o xyz.b0 -o xyz.b1
If both the ROMS directive and -o options are used together, the ROMS directive overrides the -o
options.
3. It assigns a default filename. If you specify no filenames or fewer names than output files, the utility
assigns a default filename. A default filename consists of the base name from the input file plus a 2- to
3-character extension. The extension has three parts:
a. A format character, based on the output format (see Section 11.10):
a for ASCII-Hex
i for Intel
m for Motorola-S
t for TI-Tagged
x for Tektronix

Image Mode and the -fill Option www.ti.com
b. The range number in the ROMS directive. Ranges are numbered starting with 0. If there is no
ROMS directive, or only one range, the utility omits this character.
c. The file number in the set of files for the range, starting with 0 for the least significant file.
For example, assume a.out is for a 16-bit target processor and you are creating Intel format output.
With no output filenames specified, the utility produces two output files named a.i0, a.i1.
If you include the following ROMS directive when you invoke the hex conversion utility, you would have
four output files:
ROMS
{
range1: o = 0x1000 l = 0x1000
range2: o = 0x2000 l = 0x1000
}
These output files ... Contain data in these locations ...
a.i00 and a.i01 0x1000 through 0x1FFF
a.i10 and a.i11 0x2000 through 0x2FFF
11.8 Image Mode and the -fill Option

This section points out the advantages of operating in image mode and describes how to produce output
files with a precise, continuous image of a target memory range.
11.8.1 Generating a Memory Image

With the -image option, the utility generates a memory image by completely filling all of the mapped
ranges specified in the ROMS directive.
An object file consists of blocks of memory (sections) with assigned memory locations. Typically, all
sections are not adjacent: there are holes between sections in the address space for which there is no
data. When such a file is converted without the use of image mode, the hex conversion utility bridges
these holes by using the address records in the output file to skip ahead to the start of the next section. In
other words, there may be discontinuities in the output file addresses. Some EPROM programmers do not
support address discontinuities.
In image mode, there are no discontinuities. Each output file contains a continuous stream of data that
corresponds exactly to an address range in target memory. Any holes before, between, or after sections
are filled with a fill value that you supply.
An output file converted by using image mode still has address records, because many of the
hexadecimal formats require an address on each line. However, in image mode, these addresses are
always contiguous.
Defining the Ranges of Target Memory

Note: If you use image mode, you must also use a ROMS directive. In image mode, each output
file corresponds directly to a range of target memory. You must define the ranges. If you do
not supply the ranges of target memory, the utility tries to build a memory image of the entire
target processor address space. This is potentially a huge amount of output data. To prevent
this situation, the utility requires you to explicitly restrict the address space with the ROMS
directive.

www.ti.com Controlling the ROM Device Address
11.8.2 Specifying a Fill Value

The -fill option specifies a value for filling the holes between sections. The fill value must be specified as
an integer constant following the -fill option. The width of the constant is assumed to be that of a word on
the target processor. For example, specifying -fill 0FFh. The constant value is not sign extended.
The hex conversion utility uses a default fill value of 0 if you do not specify a value with the fill option. The
-fill option is valid only when you use -image; otherwise, it is ignored.
11.8.3 Steps to Follow in Using Image Mode
Step 1: Define the ranges of target memory with a ROMS directive. See Section 11.4.
Step 2: Invoke the hex conversion utility with the -image option. You can optionally use the -zero
option to reset the address origin to 0 for each output file. If you do not specify a fill value
with the ROMS directive and you want a value other than the default of 0, use the -fill option.
11.9 Controlling the ROM Device Address

The hex conversion utility output address field corresponds to the ROM device address. The EPROM
programmer burns the data into the location specified by the hex conversion utility output file address field.
The hex conversion utility offers some mechanisms to control the starting address in ROM of each
section. However, many EPROM programmers offer direct control of the location in ROM in which the
data is burned.
The address field of the hex-conversion utility output file is controlled by the following items, which are
listed from low to high priority:
1. The linker command file. By default, the address field of the hex conversion utility output file is the
load address (as given in the linker command file).
2. The paddr parameter of the SECTIONS directive. When the paddr parameter is specified for a
section, the hex conversion utility bypasses the section load address and places the section in the
address specified by paddr.
3. The -zero option. When you use the -zero option, the utility resets the address origin to 0 for each
output file. Since each file starts at 0 and counts upward, any address records represent offsets from
the beginning of the file (the address within the ROM) rather than actual target addresses of the data.
You must use the -zero option in conjunction with the -image option to force the starting address in
each output file to be zero. If you specify the -zero option without the -image option, the utility issues a
warning and ignores the -zero option.

Description of the Object Formats www.ti.com
11.10 Description of the Object Formats

The hex conversion utility has options that identify each format. Table 11-2 specifies the format options.
They are described in the following sections.
• You need to use only one of these options on the command line. If you use more than one option, the
last one you list overrides the others.
• The default format is Tektronix (-x option).
Table 11-2. Options for Specifying Hex Conversion Formats

Option Format Address Bits Default Width
-a ASCII-Hex 16 8
-i Intel 32 8
-m Motorola-S 32 8
-t TI-Tagged 16 16
--ti_txt TI_TXT 8 8
-x Tektronix 32 8
Address bits determine how many bits of the address information the format supports. Formats with
16-bit addresses support addresses up to 64K only. The utility truncates target addresses to fit in the
number of available bits.
The default width determines the default output width of the format. You can change the default width by
using the -romwidth option or by using the romwidth parameter in the ROMS directive. You cannot change
the default width of the TI-Tagged format, which supports a 16-bit width only.
11.10.1 ASCII-Hex Object Format (-a Option)

The ASCII-Hex object format supports 16-bit addresses. The format consists of a byte stream with bytes
separated by spaces. Figure 11-6 illustrates the ASCII-Hex format.
Figure 11-6. ASCII-Hex Object Format

Nonprintable
Nonprintable Address end code
start code
^B $AXXXXXXXX,
XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX. . .^C
Data byte
The file begins with an ASCII STX character (ctrl-B, 02h) and ends with an ASCII ETX character (ctrl-C,
03h). Address records are indicated with $AXXXXXXX, in which XXXXXXXX is a 8-digit (16-bit)
hexadecimal address. The address records are present only in the following situations:
• When discontinuities occur
• When the byte stream does not begin at address 0
You can avoid all discontinuities and any address records by using the -image and -zero options. This
creates output that is simply a list of byte values.

www.ti.com Description of the Object Formats
11.10.2 Intel MCS-86 Object Format (-i Option)
The Intel object format supports 16-bit addresses and 32-bit extended addresses. Intel format consists of
a 9-character (4-field) prefix (which defines the start of record, byte count, load address, and record type),
the data, and a 2-character checksum suffix.
The 9-character prefix represents three record types:
Record Type Description
00 Data record
01 End-of-file record
04 Extended linear address record
Record type00, the data record, begins with a colon ( : ) and is followed by the byte count, the address of
the first data byte, the record type (00), and the checksum. The address is the least significant 16 bits of a
32-bit address; this value is concatenated with the value from the most recent 04 (extended linear
address) record to create a full 32-bit address. The checksum is the 2s complement (in binary form) of the
preceding bytes in the record, including byte count, address, and data bytes.
Record type 01, the end-of-file record, also begins with a colon ( : ), followed by the byte count, the
address, the record type (01), and the checksum.
Record type 04, the extended linear address record, specifies the upper 16 address bits. It begins with a
colon ( : ), followed by the byte count, a dummy address of 0h, the record type (04), the most significant
16 bits of the address, and the checksum. The subsequent address fields in the data records contain the
least significant bytes of the address.
Figure 11-7 illustrates the Intel hexadecimal object format.
Figure 11-7. Intel Hexadecimal Object Format

Start
character Extended linear
address record
Address
Most significant 16 bits
:2000000000000100020003000400050006000700080009000A000B000C000D000E000F0068
:2000200010001100120013001400150016001700180019001A001B001C001D001E001F0048 Data
:2000400000000100020003000400050006000700080009000A000B000C000D000E000F0028 records
:2000600010001100120013001400150016001700180019001A001B001C001D001E001F0008
:00000001FF
Checksum
Byte Record End-of-file
count type record

11.10.3 Motorola Exorciser Object Format (-m Option)

The Motorola-S format supports 32-bit addresses. It consists of a start-of-file (header) record, data
records, and an end-of-file (termination) record. Each record consists of five fields: record type, byte
count, address, data, and checksum. The three record types are:
Record Type Description
S0 Header record
S3 Code/data record
S7 Termination record
The byte count is the character pair count in the record, excluding the type and byte count itself.
The checksum is the least significant byte of the 1s complement of the sum of the values represented by
the pairs of characters making up the byte count, address, and the code/data fields.
Figure 11-8 illustrates the Motorola-S object format.
Figure 11-8. Motorola-S Format

Record Address Checksum
type
S00600004844521B Header record

S322000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000DD
S31A0001FFEB000000000000000000000000000000000000000000FA Data records
S70500000000FA Termination
record
Checksum
Byte count
Address for S3 records

11.10.4 Texas Instruments SDSMAC Object Format (-t Option)
The Texas Instruments SDSMAC (TI-Tagged) object format supports 16-bit addresses, including
start-of-file record, data records, and end-of-file record. Each data records consists of a series of small
fields and is signified by a tag character:
Tag Character Description
K Followed by the program identifier
7 Followed by a checksum
8 Followed by a dummy checksum (ignored)
9 Followed by a 16-bit load address
B Followed by a data word (four characters)
F Identifies the end of a data record
* Followed by a data byte (two characters)
Figure 11-9 illustrates the tag characters and fields in TI-Tagged object format.
Figure 11-9. TI-Tagged Object Format

Start-of-file Load
record Program address Tag characters
identifier
K000COFFTOTI90000BFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFF7EF3DF
BFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFF7EE37F Data
BFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFFBFFFF7F245F records
:
End-of-file Data
record words Checksum
If any data fields appear before the first address, the first field is assigned address 0000h. Address fields
may be expressed but not required for any data byte. The checksum field, preceded by the tag character
7, is the 2s complement of the sum of the 8-bit ASCII values of characters, beginning with the first tag
character and ending with the checksum tag character (7 or 8). The end-of-file record is a colon ( : ).

11.10.5 TI-TXT Hex Format (--ti_txt Option)

The TI-TXT hex format supports 16-bit hexadecimal data. It consists of section start addresses, data byte,
and an end-of-file character. These restrictions apply:
• The number of sections is unlimited.
• Each hexadecimal start address must be even.
• Each line must have 16 data bytes, except the last line of a section.
• Data bytes are separated by a single space.
• The end-of-file termination tag q is mandatory.
The data record contains the following information:
Item Description
@ADDR Hexadecimal start address of a section
DATAn Hexadecimal data byte
q End-of-file termination character
Figure 11-10. TI-TXT Object Format

Section
start
@ADDR1
Data
DATA01 DATA02 ........ DATA16
bytes DATA17 DATA32 ........ DATA32
DATAm ........ DATAn
Section @ADDR2
start DATA01 .................... DATAn Data
q bytes
End-of-line
character
Example 11-3. TI-TXT Object Format
@F000
31 40 00 03 B2 40 80 5A 20 01 D2 D3 22 00 D2 E3
21 00 3F 40 E8 FD 1F 83 FE 23 F9 3F
@FFFE
00 F0
Q

11.10.6 Extended Tektronix Object Format (-x Option)
The Tektronix object format supports 32-bit addresses and has two types of records:
Data records contains the header field, the load address, and the object code.
Termination records signifies the end of a module.
The header field in the data record contains the following information:
Number of ASCII
Item Characters Description
% 1 Data type is Tektronix format
Block length 2 Number of characters in the record, minus the %
Block type 1 6 = data record
8 = termination record
Checksum 2 A 2-digit hex sum modulo 256 of all values in the record except the % and the
checksum itself.
The load address in the data record specifies where the object code will be located. The first digit
specifies the address length; this is always 8. The remaining characters of the data record contain
the object code, two characters per byte.
Figure 11-11 illustrates the Tektronix object format.
Figure 11-11. Extended Tektronix Object Format

Checksum: 21h = 1+5+6+8+1+0+0+0+0+0+0+
0+
2+0+2+0+2+0+2+0+2+0+2+
Block length 0
1ah = 26 Object code: 6 bytes
Header %15621810000000202020202020
character
Load address: 10000000h
Block type: 6 Length of
(data) load address

Chapter 12
Sharing C/C++ Header Files With Assembly Source
You can use the .cdecls assembler directive to share C headers containing declarations and prototypes
between C and assembly code. Any legal C/C++ can be used in a .cdecls block and the C/C++
declarations will cause suitable assembly to be generated automatically, allowing you to reference the
C/C++ constructs in assembly code.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
12.1 Overview of the .cdecls Directive .............................................. 244

12.2 Notes on C/C++ Conversions .................................................... 244
12.3 Notes on C++ Specific Conversions .......................................... 248
12.4 New Assembler Support........................................................... 249
SLAU131B – March 2008 Sharing C/C++ Header Files With Assembly Source 243
Overview of the .cdecls Directive www.ti.com
12.1 Overview of the .cdecls Directive

The .cdecls directive allows programmers in mixed assembly and C/C++ environments to share C headers
containing declarations and prototypes between the C and assembly code. Any legal C/C++ can be used
in a .cdecls block and the C/C++ declarations will cause suitable assembly to be generated automatically.
This allows the programmer to reference the C/C++ constructs in assembly code — calling functions,
allocating space, and accessing structure members — using the equivalent assembly mechanisms. While
function and variable definitions are ignored, most common C/C++ elements are converted to assembly:
enumerations, (non function-like) macros, function and variable prototypes, structures, and unions.
See the .cdecls topic for details on the syntax of the .cdecls assembler directive.
The .cdecls directive can appear anywhere in an assembly source file, and can occur multiple times within
a file. However, the C/C++ environment created by one .cdecls is not inherited by a later .cdecls; the
C/C++ environment starts over for each .cdecls instance.
For example, the following code causes the warning to be issued:
.cdecls C,NOLIST
%{
#define ASMTEST 1
%}
.cdecls C,NOLIST
%{
#ifndef ASMTEST
#warn "ASMTEST not defined!" /* will be issued */
#endif
%}
Therefore, a typical use of the .cdecls block is expected to be a single usage near the beginning of the
assembly source file, in which all necessary C/C++ header files are included.
Use the compiler --include_path=path options to specify additional include file paths needed for the header
files used in assembly, as you would when compiling C files.
Any C/C++ errors or warnings generated by the code of the .cdecls are emitted as they normally would for
the C/C++ source code. C/C++ errors cause the directive to fail, and any resulting converted assembly is
not included.
C/C++ constructs that cannot be converted, such as function-like macros or variable definitions, cause a
comment to be output to the converted assembly file. For example:
; ASM HEADER WARNING - variable definition 'ABCD' ignored
The prefix ASM HEADER WARNING appears at the beginning of each message. To see the warnings,
either the WARN parameter needs to be specified so the messages are displayed on STDERR, or else
the LIST parameter needs to be specified so the warnings appear in the listing file, if any.
Finally, note that the converted assembly code does not appear in the same order as the original C/C++
source code and C/C++ constructs may be simplified to a normalized form during the conversion process,
but this should not affect their final usage.
12.2 Notes on C/C++ Conversions

The following sections describe C and C++ conversion elements that you need to be aware of when
sharing header files with assembly source.
12.2.1 Comments
Comments are consumed entirely at the C level, and do not appear in the resulting converted assembly
file.
244 Sharing C/C++ Header Files With Assembly Source SLAU131B – March 2008
www.ti.com Notes on C/C++ Conversions
12.2.2 Conditional Compilation (#if/#else/#ifdef/etc.)
Conditional compilation is handled entirely at the C level during the conversion step. Define any necessary
macros either on the command line (using the compiler --define=name=value option) or within a .cdecls
block using #define. The #if, #ifdef, etc. C/C++ directives are not converted to assembly .if, .else, .elseif,
and .endif directives.
12.2.3 Pragmas
Pragmas found in the C/C++ source code cause a warning to be generated as they are not converted.
They have no other effect on the resulting assembly file. See the .cdecls topic for the WARN and
NOWARN parameter discussion for where these warnings are created.
12.2.4 The #error and #warning Directives

These preprocessor directives are handled completely by the compiler during the parsing step of
conversion. If one of these directives is encountered, the appropriate error or warning message is emitted.
These directives are not converted to .emsg or .wmsg in the assembly output.
12.2.5 Predefined symbol _ _ASM_HEADER_ _

The C/C++ macro _ _ASM_HEADER_ _ is defined in the compiler while processing code within .cdecls.
This allows you to make changes in your code, such as not compiling definitions, during the .cdecls
processing.
Be Careful With the _ _ASM_HEADER_ _ Macro

Note: You must be very careful not to use this macro to introduce any changes in the code that
could result in inconsistencies between the code processed while compiling the C/C++
source and while converting to assembly.
12.2.6 Usage Within C/C++ asm( ) Statements

The .cdecls directive is not allowed within C/C++ asm( ) statements and will cause an error to be
generated.
12.2.7 The #include Directive

The C/C++ #include preprocessor directive is handled transparently by the compiler during the conversion
step. Such #includes can be nested as deeply as desired as in C/C++ source. The assembly directives
.include and .copy are not used or needed within a .cdecls. Use the command line --include_path option to
specify additional paths to be searched for included files, as you would for C compilation.
12.2.8 Conversion of #define Macros

Only object-like macros are converted to assembly. Function-like macros have no assembly
representation and so cannot be converted. Pre-defined and built-in C/C++ macros are not converted to
assembly (i.e., __FILE__, __TIME__, __TI_COMPILER_VERSION__, etc.). For example, this code is
converted to assembly because it is an object-like macro:
#define NAME Charley
This code is not converted to assembly because it is a function-like macro:

#define MAX(x,y) (x>y ? x : y)
Some macros, while they are converted, have no functional use in the containing assembly file. For
example, the following results in the assembly substitution symbol FOREVER being set to the value
while(1), although this has no useful use in assembly because while(1) is not legal assembly code.
#define FOREVER while(1)
Notes on C/C++ Conversions www.ti.com
Macro values are not interpreted as they are converted. For example, the following results in the
assembler substitution symbol OFFSET being set to the literal string value 5+12 and not the value 17.
This happens because the semantics of the C/C++ language require that macros are evaluated in context
and not when they are parsed.
#define OFFSET 5+12
Because macros in C/C++ are evaluated in their usage context, C/C++ printf escape sequences such as
\n are not converted to a single character in the converted assembly macro. See Section 12.2.11 for
suggestions on how to use C/C++ macro strings.
Macros are converted using the new .define directive (see Section 12.4.2), which functions similarly to the
.asg assembler directive. The exception is that .define disallows redefinitions of register symbols and
mnemonics to prevent the conversion from corrupting the basic assembly environment. To remove a
macro from the assembly scope, .undef can be used following the .cdecls that defines it (see
Section 12.4.3).
The macro functionality of # (stringize operator) is only useful within functional macros. Since functional
macros are not supported by this process, # is not supported either. The concatenation operator ## is only
useful in a functional context, but can be used degenerately to concatenate two strings and so it is
supported in that context.
12.2.9 The #undef Directive

Symbols undefined using the #undef directive before the end of the .cdecls are not converted to assembly.
12.2.10 Enumerations
Enumeration members are converted to .enum elements in assembly. For example:
enum state { ACTIVE=0x10, SLEEPING=0x01, INTERRUPT=0x100, POWEROFF, LAST};
is converted to the following assembly code:

state .enum
ACTIVE .emember 16
SLEEPING .emember 1
NTERRUPT .emember 256
POWEROFF .emember 257
LAST .emember 258
.endenum
The members are used via the pseudo-scoping created by the .enum directive.
The usage is similar to that for accessing structure members, enum_name.member.
This pseudo-scoping is used to prevent enumeration member names from corrupting other symbols within
the assembly environment.
12.2.11 C Strings
Because C string escapes such as \n and \t are not converted to hex characters 0x0A and 0x09 until their
use in a string constant in a C/C++ program, C macros whose values are strings cannot be represented
as expected in assembly substitution symbols. For example:
#define MSG "\tHI\n"
becomes, in assembly:
.define """\tHI\n""",MSG ; 6 quoted characters! not 5!
When used in a C string context, you expect this statement to be converted to 5 characters (tab, H, I,
newline, NULL), but the .string assembler directive does not know how to perform the C escape
conversions.
You can use the .cstring directive to cause the escape sequences and NULL termination to be properly
handled as they would in C/C++. Using the above symbol MSG with a .cstring directive results in 5
characters of memory being allocated, the same characters as would result if used in a C/C++ strong
context. (See Section 12.4.7 for the .cstring directive syntax.)
www.ti.com Notes on C/C++ Conversions
12.2.12 C/C++ Built-In Functions
The C/C++ built-in functions, such as sizeof( ), are not translated to their assembly counterparts, if any, if
they are used in macros. Also, their C expression values are not inserted into the resulting assembly
macro because macros are evaluated in context and there is no active context when converting the
macros to assembly.
Suitable functions such as $sizeof( ) are available in assembly expressions. However, as the basic types
such as int/char/float have no type representation in assembly, there is no way to ask for $sizeof(int), for
example, in assembly.
12.2.13 Structures and Unions

C/C++ structures and unions are converted to assembly .struct and .union elements. Padding and ending
alignments are added as necessary to make the resulting assembly structure have the same size and
member offsets as the C/C++ source. The primary purpose is to allow access to members of C/C++
structures, as well as to facilitate debugging of the assembly code. For nested structures, the assembly
.tag feature is used to refer to other structures/unions.
The alignment is also passed from the C/C++ source so that the assembly symbol is marked with the
same alignment as the C/C++ symbol. (See Section 12.2.3 for information about pragmas, which may
attempt to modify structures.) Because the alignment of structures is stored in the assembly symbol,
built-in assembly functions like $sizeof( ) and $alignof( ) can be used on the resulting structure name
symbol.
When using unnamed structures (or unions) in typedefs, such as:
typedef struct { int a_member; } mystrname;
This is really a shorthand way of writing:

struct temporary_name { int a_member; };
typedef temporary_name mystrname;
The conversion processes the above statements in the same manner: generating a temporary name for
the structure and then using .define to output a typedef from the temporary name to the user name. You
should use your mystrname in assembly the same as you would in C/C++, but do not be confused by the
assembly structure definition in the list, which contains the temporary name. You can avoid the temporary
name by specifying a name for the structure, as in:
typedef struct a_st_name { ... } mystrname;
If a shorthand method is used in C to declare a variable with a particular structure, for example:
extern struct a_name { int a_member; } a_variable;
Then after the structure is converted to assembly, a .tag directive is generated to declare the structure of
the external variable, such as:
_a_variable .tag a_st_name
This allows you to refer to _a_variable.a_member in your assembly code.
12.2.14 Function/Variable Prototypes

Non-static function and variable prototypes (not definitions) will result in a .global directive being generated
for each symbol found.
See Section 12.3.1 for C++ name mangling issues.
Function and variable definitions will result in a warning message being generated (see the
WARN/NOWARN parameter discussion for where these warnings are created) for each, and they will not
be represented in the converted assembly.
The assembly symbol representing the variable declarations will not contain type information about those
symbols. Only a .global will be issued for them. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure the symbol is
used appropriately.
See Section 12.2.13 for information on variables names which are of a structure/union type.
Notes on C++ Specific Conversions www.ti.com
12.2.15 C Constant Suffixes

The C constant suffixes u, l, and f are passed to the assembly unchanged. The assembler will ignore
these suffixes if used in assembly expressions.
12.2.16 Basic C/C++ Types

Only complex types (structures and unions) in the C/C++ source code are converted to assembly. Basic
types such as int, char, or float are not converted or represented in assembly beyond any existing .int,
.char, .float, etc. directives that previously existed in assembly.
Typedefs of basic types are therefore also not represented in the converted assembly.
12.3 Notes on C++ Specific Conversions

The following sections describe C++ specific conversion elements that you need to be aware of when
sharing header files with assembly source.
12.3.1 Name Mangling

Symbol names may be mangled in C++ source files. When mangling occurs, the converted assembly will
use the mangled names to avoid symbol name clashes. You can use the demangler (dem430) to
demangle names and identify the correct symbols to use in assembly.
To defeat name mangling in C++ for symbols where polymorphism (calling a function of the same name
with different kinds of arguments) is not required, use the following syntax:
extern "C" void somefunc(int arg);
The above format is the short method for declaring a single function. To use this method for multiple
functions, you can also use the following syntax:
extern "C"
{
void somefunc(int arg);
int anotherfunc(int arg);
...
}
12.3.2 Derived Classes

Derived classes are only partially supported when converting to assembly because of issues related to
C++ scoping which does not exist in assembly. The greatest difference is that base class members do not
automatically become full (top-level) members of the derived class. For example:
----------------------------------------------------------
class base
{
public:
int b1;
};
class derived : public base

{
public:
int d1;
}
----------------------------------------------------------
In C++ code, the class derived would contain both integers b1 and d1. In the converted assembly
structure "derived", the members of the base class must be accessed using the name of the base class,
such as derived.__b_base.b1 rather than the expected derived.b1.
A non-virtual, non-empty base class will have __b_ prepended to its name within the derived class to
signify it is a base class name. That is why the example above is derived.__b_base.b1 and not simply
derived.base.b1.
www.ti.com New Assembler Support
12.3.3 Templates
No support exists for templates.
12.3.4 Virtual Functions

No support exists for virtual functions, as they have no assembly representation.
12.4 New Assembler Support
12.4.1 Enumerations (.enum/.emember/.endenum)

New directives have been created to support a pseudo-scoping for enumerations.
The format of these new directives is:
ENUM_NAME .enum
MEMBER1 .emember [value]
MEMBER2 .emember [value]
...
.endenum
The .enum directive begins the enumeration definition and .endenum terminates it.
The enumeration name (ENUM_NAME) cannot be used to allocate space; its size is reported as zero.
The format to use the value of a member is ENUM_NAME.MEMBER, similar to a structure member
usage.
The .emember directive optionally accepts the value to set the member to, just as in C/C++. If not
specified, the member takes a value one more than the previous member. As in C/C++, member names
cannot be duplicated, although values can be. Unless specified with .emember, the first enumeration
member will be given the value 0 (zero), as in C/C++.
The .endenum directive cannot be used with a label, as structure .endstruct directives can, because the
.endenum directive has no value like the .endstruct does (containing the size of the structure).
Conditional compilation directives (.if/.else/.elseif/.endif) are the only other non-enumeration code allowed
within the .enum/.endenum sequence.
12.4.2 The .define Directive

The new .define directive functions in the same manner as the existing .asg directive, except that .define
disallows creation of a substitution symbol that has the same name as a register symbol or mnemonic. It
does not create a new symbol name space in the assembler, rather it uses the existing substitution
symbol name space. The syntax for the directive is:
.define substitution string, substitution symbol name
The .define directive is used to prevent corruption of the assembly environment when converting C/C++
headers.
12.4.3 The .undefine/.unasg Directives

The .undef directive is used to remove the definition of a substitution symbol created using .define or .asg.
This directive will remove the named symbol from the substitution symbol table from the point of the .undef
to the end of the assembly file. The syntax for these directives is:
.undefine substitution symbol name
New Assembler Support www.ti.com
.unasg substitution symbol name

This can be used to remove from the assembly environment any C/C++ macros that may cause a
problem.
Also see Section 12.4.2, which covers the .define directive.
12.4.4 The $defined( ) Directive

The $defined directive returns true/1 or false/0 depending on whether the name exists in the current
substitution symbol table or the standard symbol table. In essence $defined returns TRUE if the
assembler has any user symbol in scope by that name. This differs from $isdefed in that $isdefed only
tests for NON-substitution symbols. The syntax is:
$defined( substitution symbol name)
A statement such as ".if $defined(macroname)" is then similar to the C code "#ifdef macroname".
See Section 12.4.2 and Section 12.4.3 for the use of .define and .undef in assembly.
12.4.5 The $sizeof Built-In Function

The new assembly built-in function $sizeof( ) can be used to query the size of a structure in assembly. It is
an alias for the already existing $structsz( ). The syntax is:
$sizeof( structure name)
The $sizeof function can then be used similarly to the C built-in function sizeof( ).
The assembler's $sizeof( ) built-in function cannot be used to ask for the size of basic C/C++ types, such
as $sizeof(int), because those basic type names are not represented in assembly. Only complex types are
converted from C/C++ to assembly.
Also see Section 12.2.12, which notes that this conversion does not happen automatically if the C/C++
sizeof( ) built-in function is used within a macro.
12.4.6 Structure/Union Alignment & $alignof( )

The assembly .struct and .union directives now take an optional second argument which can be used to
specify a minimum alignment to be applied to the symbol name. This is used by the conversion process to
pass the specific alignment from C/C++ to assembly.
The assembly built-in function $alignof( ) can be used to report the alignment of these structures. This can
be used even on assembly structures, and the function will return the minimum alignment calculated by
the assembler.
12.4.7 The .cstring Directive

You can use the new .cstring directive to cause the escape sequences and NULL termination to be
properly handled as they would in C/C++.
.cstring "String with C escapes.\nWill be NULL terminated.\012"
See Section 12.2.11 for more information on the new .cstring directive.
Appendix A
Symbolic Debugging Directives
The assembler supports several directives that the MSP430 C/C++ compiler uses for symbolic debugging.
These directives differ for the two debugging formats, DWARF and COFF.
These directives are not meant for use by assembly-language programmers. They require arguments that
can be difficult to calculate manually, and their usage must conform to a predetermined agreement
between the compiler, the assembler, and the debugger. This appendix documents these directives for
informational purposes only.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
A.1 DWARF Debugging Format ....................................................... 252

A.2 COFF Debugging Format .......................................................... 252
A.3 Debug Directive Syntax ............................................................ 253
SLAU131B – March 2008 Symbolic Debugging Directives 251

DWARF Debugging Format www.ti.com
A.1 DWARF Debugging Format

A subset of the DWARF symbolic debugging directives are always listed in the assembly language file that
the compiler creates for program analysis purposes. To list the complete set used for full symbolic debug,
invoke the compiler with the --symdebug:dwarf option, as shown below:
cl430 --symdebug:dwarf --keep_asm input_file
The --keep_asm option instructs the compiler to retain the generated assembly file.
To disable the generation of all symbolic debug directives, invoke the compiler with the -symdebug:none
option:
cl430 --symdebug:none --keep_asm input_file
The DWARF debugging format consists of the following directives:

• The .dwtag and .dwendtag directives define a Debug Information Entry (DIE) in the .debug_info
section.
• The .dwattr directive adds an attribute to an existing DIE.
• The .dwpsn directive identifies the source position of a C/C++ statement.
• The .dwcie and .dwendentry directives define a Common Information Entry (CIE) in the .debug_frame
section.
• The .dwfde and .dwendentry directives define a Frame Description Entry (FDE) in the .debug_frame
section.
• The .dwcfi directive defines a call frame instruction for a CIE or FDE.
A.2 COFF Debugging Format

COFF symbolic debug is now obsolete. These directives are supported for backwards-compatibility only.
The decision to switch to DWARF as the symbolic debug format was made to overcome many limitations
of COFF symbolic debug, including the absence of C++ support.
The COFF debugging format consists of the following directives:
• The .sym directive defines a global variable, a local variable, or a function. Several parameters allow
you to associate various debugging information with the variable or function.
• The .stag, .etag, and .utag directives define structures, enumerations, and unions, respectively. The
.member directive specifies a member of a structure, enumeration, or union. The .eos directive ends a
structure, enumeration, or union definition.
• The .func and .endfunc directives specify the beginning and ending lines of a C/C++ function.
• The .block and .endblock directives specify the bounds of C/C++ blocks.
• The .file directive defines a symbol in the symbol table that identifies the current source filename.
• The .line directive identifies the line number of a C/C++ source statement.
252 Symbolic Debugging Directives SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Debug Directive Syntax
A.3 Debug Directive Syntax

Table A-1 is an alphabetical listing of the symbolic debugging directives. For information on the C/C++
compiler, refer to the MSP430 Optimizing C/C++ Compiler User's Guide
Table A-1. Symbolic Debugging Directives

Label Directive Arguments
.block [beginning line number]
.dwattr DIE label,DIE attribute name(DIE attribute value)[,DIE attribute name(attribute value) [, ...]
.dwcfi call frame instruction opcode[,operand[,operand]]
CIE label .dwcie version , return address register
.dwendentry
.dwendtag
.dwfde CIE label
.dwpsn " filename ", line number , column number
DIE label .dwtag DIE tag name,DIE attribute name(DIE attribute value)[,DIE attribute name(attribute value) [, ...]
.endblock [ending line number]
.endfunc [ending line number[,register mask[, frame size]]]
.eos
.etag name[, size]
.file " filename "
.func [beginning line number]
.line line number[, address]
.member name, value[, type, storage class, size, tag, dims]
.stag name[, size]
.sym name, value[, type, storage class, size, tag, dims]
.utag name[, size]
SLAU131B – March 2008 Symbolic Debugging Directives 253

254 Symbolic Debugging Directives SLAU131B – March 2008
Appendix B
XML Link Information File Description
The linker supports the generation of an XML link information file via the --xml_link_info file option. This
option causes the linker to generate a well-formed XML file containing detailed information about the result
of a link. The information included in this file includes all of the information that is currently produced in a
linker-generated map file.
As the linker evolves, the XML link information file may be extended to include additional information that
could be useful for static analysis of linker results.
This appendix enumerates all of the elements that are generated by the linker into the XML link
information file.
Topic .................................................................................................. Page
B.1 XML Information File Element Types ......................................... 256

B.2 Document Elements................................................................. 256
SLAU131B – March 2008 XML Link Information File Description 255

XML Information File Element Types www.ti.com
B.1 XML Information File Element Types

These element types will be generated by the linker:
• Container elements represent an object that contains other elements that describe the object.
Container elements have an id attribute that makes them accessible from other elements.
• String elements contain a string representation of their value.
• Constant elements contain a 32-bit unsigned long representation of their value (with a 0x prefix).
• Reference elements are empty elements that contain an idref attribute that specifies a link to another
container element.
In Section B.2, the element type is specified for each element in parentheses following the element
description. For instance, the <link_time> element lists the time of the link execution (string).
B.2 Document Elements

The root element, or the document element, is <link_info>. All other elements contained in the XML link
information file are children of the <link_info> element. The following sections describe the elements that
an XML information file can contain.
B.2.1 Header Elements

The first elements in the XML link information file provide general information about the linker and the link
session:
• The <banner> element lists the name of the executable and the version information (string).
• The <copyright> element lists the TI copyright information (string).
• The <link_time> is a timestamp representation of the link time (unsigned 32-bit int).
• The <output_file> element lists the name of the linked output file generated (string).
• The <entry_point> element specifies the program entry point, as determined by the linker (container)
with two entries:
– The <name> is the entry point symbol name, if any (string).
– The <address> is the entry point address (constant).
Example B-1. Header Element for the hi.out Output File
<banner>TMS320Cxx Linker Version x.xx (Jan 6 2008)</banner>

<copyright>Copyright (c) 1996-2008 Texas Instruments Incorporated</copyright>
<link_time>0x43dfd8a4</link_time>
<output_file>hi.out</output_file>
<entry_point>
<name>_c_int00</name>
<address>0xaf80</address>
</entry_point>
256 XML Link Information File Description SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Document Elements
B.2.2 Input File List
The next section of the XML link information file is the input file list, which is delimited with a
<input_file_list> container element. The <input_file_list> can contain any number of <input_file>
elements.
Each <input_file> instance specifies the input file involved in the link. Each <input_file> has an id attribute
that can be referenced by other elements, such as an <object_component>. An <input_file> is a container
element enclosing the following elements:
• The <path> element names a directory path, if applicable (string).
• The <kind> element specifies a file type, either archive or object (string).
• The <file> element specifies an archive name or filename (string).
• The <name> element specifies an object file name, or archive member name (string).
Example B-2. Input File List for the hi.out Output File
<input_file_list>
<input_file id="fl-1">
<kind>object</kind>
<file>hi.obj</file>
<name>hi.obj</name>
</input_file>
<path>/tools/lib/</path>
<kind>archive</kind>
<file>rtsxxx.lib</file>
<name>boot.obj</name>
</input_file>
<name>exit.obj</name>
</input_file>
<name>printf.obj</name>
</input_file>
...
</input_file_list>

Document Elements www.ti.com
B.2.3 Object Component List

The next section of the XML link information file contains a specification of all of the object components
that are involved in the link. An example of an object component is an input section. In general, an object
component is the smallest piece of object that can be manipulated by the linker.
The <object_component_list> is a container element enclosing any number of <object_component>
elements.
Each <object_component> specifies a single object component. Each <object_component> has an id
attribute so that it can be referenced directly from other elements, such as a <logical_group>. An
<object_component> is a container element enclosing the following elements:
• The <name> element names the object component (string).
• The <load_address> element specifies the load-time address of the object component (constant).
• The <run_address> element specifies the run-time address of the object component (constant).
• The <size> element specifies the size of the object component (constant).
• The <input_file_ref> element specifies the source file where the object component originated
(reference).
Example B-3. Object Component List for the fl-4 Input File
<object_component id="oc-20">
<name>.text</name>
<load_address>0xac00</load_address>
<run_address>0xac00</run_address>
<size>0xc0</size>
<input_file_ref idref="fl-4"/>
</object_component>
<name>.data</name>
<load_address>0x80000000</load_address>
<run_address>0x80000000</run_address>
<size>0x0</size>
</object_component>
<name>.bss</name>
<size>0x0</size>
</object_component>

B.2.4 Logical Group List
The <logical_group_list> section of the XML link information file is similar to the output section listing in a
linker-generated map file. However, the XML link information file contains a specification of GROUP and
UNION output sections, which are not represented in a map file. There are three kinds of list items that
can occur in a <logical_group_list>:
• The <logical_group> is the specification of a section or GROUP that contains a list of object
components or logical group members. Each <logical_group> element is given an id so that it may be
referenced from other elements. Each <logical_group> is a container element enclosing the following
elements:
– The <name> element names the logical group (string).
– The <load_address> element specifies the load-time address of the logical group (constant).
– The <run_address> element specifies the run-time address of the logical group (constant).
– The <size> element specifies the size of the logical group (constant).
– The <contents> element lists elements contained in this logical group (container). These elements
refer to each of the member objects contained in this logical group:
• The <object_component_ref> is an object component that is contained in this logical group
(reference).
• The <logical_group_ref> is a logical group that is contained in this logical group (reference).
• The <overlay> is a special kind of logical group that represents a UNION, or a set of objects that
share the same memory space (container). Each <overlay> element is given an id so that it may be
referenced from other elements (like from an <allocated_space> element in the placement map). Each
<overlay> contains the following elements:
– The <name> element names the overlay (string).
– The <run_address> element specifies the run-time address of overlay (constant).
– The <size> element specifies the size of logical group (constant).
– The <contents> container element lists elements contained in this overlay. These elements refer to
each of the member objects contained in this logical group:
• The <object_component_ref> is an object component that is contained in this logical group
(reference).
• The <logical_group_ref> is a logical group that is contained in this logical group (reference).
• The <split_section> is another special kind of logical group that represents a collection of logical
groups that is split among multiple memory areas. Each <split_section> element is given an id so that
it may be referenced from other elements. The id consists of the following elements.
– The <name> element names the split section (string).
– The <contents> container element lists elements contained in this split section. The
<logical_group_ref> elements refer to each of the member objects contained in this split section,
and each element referenced is a logical group that is contained in this split section (reference).

Example B-4. Logical Group List for the fl-4 Input File
<logical_group_list>
...
<logical_group id="lg-7">
<name>.text</name>
<size>0xb240</size>
<contents>
<object_component_ref idref="oc-34"/>
<object_component_ref idref="oc-e2"/>
...
</contents>
</logical_group>
...
<overlay id="lg-b">
<name>UNION_1</name>
<run_address>0xb600</run_address>
<size>0xc0</size>
<contents>
<logical_group_ref idref="lg-8"/>
</contents>
</overlay>
...
<split_section id="lg-12">
<name>.task_scn</name>
<size>0x120</size>
<contents>
</contents>
...
</logical_group_list>

B.2.5 Placement Map
The <placement_map> element describes the memory placement details of all named memory areas in
the application, including unused spaces between logical groups that have been placed in a particular
memory area.
The <memory_area> is a description of the placement details within a named memory area (container).
The description consists of these items:
• The <name> names the memory area (string).
• The <page_id> gives the id of the memory page in which this memory area is defined (constant).
• The <origin> specifies the beginning address of the memory area (constant).
• The <length> specifies the length of the memory area (constant).
• The <used_space> specifies the amount of allocated space in this area (constant).
• The <unused_space> specifies the amount of available space in this area (constant).
• The <attributes> lists the RWXI attributes that are associated with this area, if any (string).
• The <fill_value> specifies the fill value that is to be placed in unused space, if the fill directive is
specified with the memory area (constant).
• The <usage_details> lists details of each allocated or available fragment in this memory area. If the
fragment is allocated to a logical group, then a <logical_group_ref> element is provided to facilitate
access to the details of that logical group. All fragment specifications include <start_address> and
<size> elements.
– The <allocated_space> element provides details of an allocated fragment within this memory area
(container):
• The <start_address> specifies the address of the fragment (constant).
• The <size> specifies the size of the fragment (constant).
• The <logical_group_ref> provides a reference to the logical group that is allocated to this
fragment (reference).
– The <available_space element provides details of an available fragment within this memory area
(container):
• The <start_address> specifies the address of the fragment (constant).
• The <size> specifies the size of the fragment (constant).
Example B-5. Placement Map for the fl-4 Input File
<placement_map>
<memory_area>
<name>PMEM</name>
<page_id>0x0</page_id>
<origin>0x20</origin>
<length>0x100000</length>
<used_space>0xb240</used_space>
<unused_space>0xf4dc0</unused_space>
<attributes>RWXI</attributes>
<usage_details>
<allocated_space>
<start_address>0x20</start_address>
<size>0xb240</size>
</allocated_space>
<available_space>
<start_address>0xb260</start_address>
<size>0xf4dc0</size>
</available_space>
</usage_details>
</memory_area>
...
</placement_map>

B.2.6 Symbol Table

The <symbol_table> contains a list of all of the global symbols that are included in the link. The list
provides information about a symbol's name and value. In the future, the symbol_table list may provide
type information, the object component in which the symbol is defined, storage class, etc.
The <symbol> is a container element that specifies the name and value of a symbol with these elements:
• The <name> element specifies the symbol name (string).
• The <value> element specifies the symbol value (constant).
Example B-6. Symbol Table for the fl-4 Input File
<symbol_table>
<symbol>
<name>_c_int00</name>
<value>0xaf80</value>
</symbol>
<symbol>
<name>_main</name>
<value>0xb1e0</value>
</symbol>
<symbol>
<name>_printf</name>
<value>0xac00</value>
</symbol>
...
</symbol_table>

Appendix C
Glossary
absolute address— An address that is permanently assigned to a MSP430 memory location.

absolute lister— A debugging tool that allows you to create assembler listings that contain absolute
addresses.
alignment— A process in which the linker places an output section at an address that falls on an n-byte
boundary, where n is a power of 2. You can specify alignment with the SECTIONS linker directive.
allocation— A process in which the linker calculates the final memory addresses of output sections.
ANSI— American National Standards Institute; an organization that establishes standards voluntarily
followed by industries.
archive library— A collection of individual files grouped into a single file by the archiver.
archiver— A software program that collects several individual files into a single file called an archive
library. With the archiver, you can add, delete, extract, or replace members of the archive library.
ASCII— American Standard Code for Information Interchange; a standard computer code for representing
and exchanging alphanumeric information.
assembler— A software program that creates a machine-language program from a source file that
contains assembly language instructions, directives, and macro definitions. The assembler
substitutes absolute operation codes for symbolic operation codes and absolute or relocatable
addresses for symbolic addresses.
assembly-time constant— A symbol that is assigned a constant value with the .set directive.
assignment statement— A statement that initializes a variable with a value.
autoinitialization— The process of initializing global C variables (contained in the .cinit section) before
program execution begins.
autoinitialization at run time— An autoinitialization method used by the linker when linking C code. The
linker uses this method when you invoke it with the --rom_model link option. The linker loads the
.cinit section of data tables into memory, and variables are initialized at run time.
big endian— An addressing protocol in which bytes are numbered from left to right within a word. More
significant bytes in a word have lower numbered addresses. Endian ordering is hardware-specific
and is determined at reset. See also little endian
binding— A process in which you specify a distinct address for an output section or a symbol.
block— A set of statements that are grouped together within braces and treated as an entity.
.bss section— One of the default object file sections. You use the assembler .bss directive to reserve a
specified amount of space in the memory map that you can use later for storing data. The .bss
section is uninitialized.
C/C++ compiler— A software program that translates C source statements into assembly language
source statements.
COFF— Common object file format; a system of object files configured according to a standard developed
by AT&T. These files are relocatable in memory space.
SLAU131B – March 2008 Glossary 263

Appendix C www.ti.com
command file— A file that contains options, filenames, directives, or commands for the linker or hex
conversion utility.
comment— A source statement (or portion of a source statement) that documents or improves readability
of a source file. Comments are not compiled, assembled, or linked; they have no effect on the
object file.
conditional processing— A method of processing one block of source code or an alternate block of
source code, according to the evaluation of a specified expression.
configured memory— Memory that the linker has specified for allocation.
constant— A type whose value cannot change.
cross-reference lister— A utility that produces an output file that lists the symbols that were defined,
what file they were defined in, what reference type they are, what line they were defined on, which
lines referenced them, and their assembler and linker final values. The cross-reference lister uses
linked object files as input.
cross-reference listing— An output file created by the assembler that lists the symbols that were defined,
what line they were defined on, which lines referenced them, and their final values.
.data section— One of the default object file sections. The .data section is an initialized section that
contains initialized data. You can use the .data directive to assemble code into the .data section.
directives— Special-purpose commands that control the actions and functions of a software tool (as
opposed to assembly language instructions, which control the actions of a device).
emulator— A hardware development system that duplicates the MSP430 operation.
entry point— A point in target memory where execution starts.
environment variable— A system symbol that you define and assign to a string. Environmental variables
are often included in Windows batch files or UNIX shell scripts such as .cshrc or .profile.
executable module— A linked object file that can be executed in a target system.
expression— A constant, a symbol, or a series of constants and symbols separated by arithmetic
operators.
external symbol— A symbol that is used in the current program module but defined or declared in a
different program module.
field— For the MSP430, a software-configurable data type whose length can be programmed to be any
value in the range of 1-16 bits.
global symbol— A symbol that is either defined in the current module and accessed in another, or
accessed in the current module but defined in another.
GROUP— An option of the SECTIONS directive that forces specified output sections to be allocated
contiguously (as a group).
hex conversion utility— A utility that converts object files into one of several standard ASCII hexadecimal
formats, suitable for loading into an EPROM programmer.
high-level language debugging— The ability of a compiler to retain symbolic and high-level language
information (such as type and function definitions) so that a debugging tool can use this
information.
hole— An area between the input sections that compose an output section that contains no code.
incremental linking— Linking files in several passes. Incremental linking is useful for large applications,
because you can partition the application, link the parts separately, and then link all of the parts
together.
264 Glossary SLAU131B – March 2008

www.ti.com Appendix C
initialization at load time— An autoinitialization method used by the linker when linking C/C++ code. The
linker uses this method when you invoke it with the --ram_model link option. This method initializes
variables at load time instead of run time.
initialized section— A section from an object file that will be linked into an executable module.
input section— A section from an object file that will be linked into an executable module.
ISO— International Organization for Standardization; a worldwide federation of national standards bodies,
which establishes international standards voluntarily followed by industries.
label— A symbol that begins in column 1 of an assembler source statement and corresponds to the
address of that statement. A label is the only assembler statement that can begin in column 1.
linker— A software program that combines object files to form an object module that can be allocated into
system memory and executed by the device.
listing file— An output file, created by the assembler, that lists source statements, their line numbers, and
their effects on the section program counter (SPC).
little endian— An addressing protocol in which bytes are numbered from right to left within a word. More
significant bytes in a word have higher numbered addresses. Endian ordering is hardware-specific
and is determined at reset. See also big endian
loader— A device that places an executable module into system memory.
macro— A user-defined routine that can be used as an instruction.
macro call— The process of invoking a macro.
macro definition— A block of source statements that define the name and the code that make up a
macro.
macro expansion— The process of inserting source statements into your code in place of a macro call.
macro library— An archive library composed of macros. Each file in the library must contain one macro;
its name must be the same as the macro name it defines, and it must have an extension of .asm.
map file— An output file, created by the linker, that shows the memory configuration, section composition,
section allocation, symbol definitions and the addresses at which the symbols were defined for your
program.
member— The elements or variables of a structure, union, archive, or enumeration.
memory map— A map of target system memory space that is partitioned into functional blocks.
mnemonic— An instruction name that the assembler translates into machine code.
model statement— Instructions or assembler directives in a macro definition that are assembled each
time a macro is invoked.
named section— An initialized section that is defined with a .sect directive.
object file— An assembled or linked file that contains machine-language object code.
object library— An archive library made up of individual object files.
operand— An argument of an assembly language instruction, assembler directive, or macro directive that
supplies information to the operation performed by the instruction or directive.
options— Command-line parameters that allow you to request additional or specific functions when you
invoke a software tool.
output module— A linked, executable object file that is downloaded and executed on a target system.
output section— A final, allocated section in a linked, executable module.

partial linking— Linking files in several passes. Incremental linking is useful for large applications
because you can partition the application, link the parts separately, and then link all of the parts
together.
quiet run— An option that suppresses the normal banner and the progress information.
raw data— Executable code or initialized data in an output section.
relocation— A process in which the linker adjusts all the references to a symbol when the symbol's
address changes.
ROM width— The width (in bits) of each output file, or, more specifically, the width of a single data value
in the hex conversion utility file. The ROM width determines how the utility partitions the data into
output files. After the target words are mapped to memory words, the memory words are broken
into one or more output files. The number of output files is determined by the ROM width.
run address— The address where a section runs.
run-time-support library— A library file, rts.src, that contains the source for the run time-support
functions.
section— A relocatable block of code or data that ultimately will be contiguous with other sections in the
memory map.
section program counter (SPC)— An element that keeps track of the current location within a section;
each section has its own SPC.
sign extend— A process that fills the unused MSBs of a value with the value's sign bit.
simulator— A software development system that simulates MSP430 operation.
source file— A file that contains C/C++ code or assembly language code that is compiled or assembled to
form an object file.
static variable— A variable whose scope is confined to a function or a program. The values of static
variables are not discarded when the function or program is exited; their previous value is resumed
when the function or program is reentered.
storage class— An entry in the symbol table that indicates how to access a symbol.
string table— A table that stores symbol names that are longer than eight characters (symbol names of
eight characters or longer cannot be stored in the symbol table; instead they are stored in the string
table). The name portion of the symbol's entry points to the location of the string in the string table.
structure— A collection of one or more variables grouped together under a single name.
subsection— A relocatable block of code or data that ultimately will occupy continuous space in the
memory map. Subsections are smaller sections within larger sections. Subsections give you tighter
control of the memory map.
symbol— A string of alphanumeric characters that represents an address or a value.
symbolic debugging— The ability of a software tool to retain symbolic information that can be used by a
debugging tool such as a simulator or an emulator.
tag— An optional type name that can be assigned to a structure, union, or enumeration.
target memory— Physical memory in a system into which executable object code is loaded.
.text section— One of the default object file sections. The .text section is initialized and contains
executable code. You can use the .text directive to assemble code into the .text section.
unconfigured memory— Memory that is not defined as part of the memory map and cannot be loaded
with code or data.
266 Glossary SLAU131B – March 2008

uninitialized section— A object file section that reserves space in the memory map but that has no actual
contents. These sections are built with the .bss and .usect directives.
UNION— An option of the SECTIONS directive that causes the linker to allocate the same address to
multiple sections.
union— A variable that can hold objects of different types and sizes.
unsigned value— A value that is treated as a nonnegative number, regardless of its actual sign.
well-defined expression— A term or group of terms that contains only symbols or assembly-time
constants that have been defined before they appear in the expression.
word— A 16-bit addressable location in target memory

Index
_ _ASM_HEADER_ _ 245 HIGH location specifier 165

__STACK_SIZE 154 memory
_c_int00 146, 200 default 28, 164
_e_STACK_SIZE 183 UNION 175
_e_SYSMEM_SIZE 183 alternate directories 37, 148
_main 146 naming with --include_path option 37
naming with MSP430_A_DIR 38
A -a name utility option 216
-aa alias for --absolute_listing assembler option 36 A operand of .option directive 62, 98
-a alias for --absolute_exe linker option 141, 143 -apd alias for --asm_dependency assembler option 36
a archiver command 134 -api alias for --asm_includes assembler option 36
-abs alias for --run_abs linker option 141, 153 ar430 command 134
--absolute_exe linker option 141, 143 archive libraries 95, 147, 158
--absolute_listing assembler option 36 back referencing 153
absolute address exhaustively reading 153
defined 263 types of files 132
absolute lister archive library
creating the absolute listing file 204 defined 263
defined 263 archiver 131
development flow 204 allocating member to output section 171
example 206 commands
invoking 205 @ 134
options 205 a 134
absolute listing d 134
-abs linker option 153 r 134
--absolute_listing assembler option 36 t 134
producing 204 u 134
absolute output module 143 x 134
-ac alias for --syms_ignore_case assembler option 37 defined 263
-ad alias for --asm_define assembler option 36, 45 examples 135
address XML entry 256 in the development flow 133
-a disassembler option 215 invoking 134
-ahc alias for --copy_file assembler option 36 options
-a hex conversion utility option 222, 236 -q 134
-ahi alias for --include_file assembler option 36
-s 134
-al alias for --asm_listing assembler option 36, 49 -v 134
-@ alias for --cmd_file assembler option 36 @ archiver command 134
.align directive 61, 66 --arg_size linker option 141, 144
alignment 61, 66, 166 -args alias for --arg_size linker option 141, 144
defined 263
arguments
$alignof assembler function 250 passing to the loader 144
allocated_space XML element 261 arithmetic operators 48
allocation 20, 69, 163 -ar linker option 141, 143
alignment 66, 166 -as alias for --output_all_syms assembler option 36
allocating output sections 160 ASCII
binding 164 defined 263
blocking 166 ASCII-Hex object format 219, 236
checking consistency of load and run 178 .asg directive 64, 67
default algorithm 180 listing control 62, 79
defined 263 use in macros 117
GROUP 177 --asm_define assembler option 36, 45
268 Index SLAU131B – March 2008

--asm_dependency assembler option 36 absolute lister 207
--asm_includes assembler option 36 aligning the section program counter (SPC)
--asm_listing assembler option 36 .align 61, 66
source listing format 49 defining assembly-time symbols 64
--asm_undefine assembler option 36 .asg 64, 67
.asmfunc directive 65, 68 .endstruct 64, 105
AsmVal entry in cross-reference listing 211 .endunion 64
assembler 33 .equ 64, 101
character strings 43 .eval 64, 67
constants 41 .label 64, 89
cross-reference listings 36, 52 .set 64, 101
defined 263 .struct 64, 105
expressions 48 .tag 64
handling object module sections 21 .union 64
in the development flow 35 .var 64, 112
invoking 36 defining macros
macros 113 .endm 94
marking function boundaries 68 .macro 94
options defining sections 57
--absolute_listing 36 .bss 21, 57, 69
--asm_define 36, 45 .data 21, 57, 77
--asm_dependency 36 .sect 21, 57, 100
--asm_includes 36 .text 21, 57, 108
--asm_listing 36, 49 .usect 21, 57, 110
--asm_undefine 36 enabling conditional assembly 63
--cmd_file 36 .break 63, 93
--copy_file 36 .else 63, 87
--cross_reference 36, 52 .elseif 63, 87
-I 36, 37 .endif 63, 87
--include_file 36 .endloop 63, 93
--output_all_syms 36 .if 63, 87
--quiet 36 .loop 63, 93
--symdebug:dwarf 37 formatting the output listing 62
--syms_ignore_case 37 .drlist 62, 79
output listing 50, 62 .drnolist 62, 79
directive listing 62, 79 enabling 62
enabling 91 .fclist 62, 82
false conditional block listing 62, 82 .fcnolist 62, 82
list options 62, 98 .length 62, 90
macro listing 62, 95, 96 .list 62, 91
page eject 62, 99 .mlist 62, 96
page length 62, 90 .mnolist 62, 96
page width 90 .nolist 62, 91
substitution symbol listing 62, 103 .option 62, 98
suppressing 62, 91 .page 62, 99
tab size 62, 107 page width 62
title 62, 109 .sslist 62, 103
overview 34 .ssnolist 62, 103
relocation 29, 142 .tab 62, 107
run-time relocation 30 .title 62, 109
sections directives 21 .width 62, 90
source listings 49 initializing constants 59
source statement format 39 .bes 102
symbols 47 .byte 59, 70
assembler directives 53 .char 59, 70
SLAU131B – March 2008 Index 269

.double 59, 78 described 199

.field 59, 83 defined 263
.float 59, 78 automatic library selection disabling 145
.half 86 -ax alias for --cross_reference assembler option 36, 52
.int 59, 88
.long 59, 88 B
-b alias for --no_sym_merge linker option 141, 152
.short 86
banner XML element 256
.space 102
-b disassembler option 215
.string 59, 104
.bes directive 61, 102
.word 59, 88
big endian
miscellaneous directives 65
defined 263
.asmfunc 65, 68
ordering 227
.cdecls 65, 71, 244
binary integer constants 41
.clink 65, 74
binding 164
.emsg 65, 80 defined 263
.end 65, 81 block
.endasmfunc 65, 68 defined 263
.mmsg 65, 80 .block COFF debugging directive 252
.newblock 65, 97 blocking 166
.wmsg 65, 80 boot.obj module 198, 200
referencing other files 63 boot-time copy table generated by linker 192
.copy 63, 75 B operand of .option directive 62, 98
.def 63 .break directive 63, 93
.global 63 listing control 62, 79
.include 63, 75 use in macros 123
.mlib 63, 95 .bss directive 21, 57, 69
.ref 63 linker definition 183
reserving space .bss section 57, 69
.bes 61 defined 263
.space 61 holes 187
summary table 54 initializing 188
assembler support for C/C++ header files .byte directive 59, 70
$alignof function 250 limiting listing with the .option directive 62, 98
.cstring directive 250
$defined directive 250 C
.define directive 249 -c alias for --rom_model linker option 141, 153
enumerations 249 C built-in functions 247
$sizeof function 250 C/C++ compiler
.undefine/.unasg directives 249 defined 263
assembly language development flow 16, 35, 133, 139 linking conventions 153
assembly-time constants 42, 101 symbolic debugging directives 251
defined 263 C/C++ header files in assembly code
assigning a value to a symbol 101 assembler support 249
assigning substitution symbols with directives 67 .cdecls directive 244
assignment expressions 182 notes on C/C++ conversions 244
assignment statement notes on C++ specific conversions to assembly 248
defined 263 C code
attributes 52, 160 linking 198
attributes XML element 261 example 200
-au alias for --asm_undefine assembler option 36 .cdecls directive 65, 71, 244
autoinitialization -c disassembler option 215
at load time 153 character constants 42
described 199 character strings 43
at run time 153 .char directive 59, 70
defined 263 C hardware stack 198
cl430 command 36

cl430 --run_linker command 140 symbolic 46
.clink directive 65, 74 $ 46
--cmd_file assembler option 36 processor symbols 46
C memory pool 198 register symbols 46
-c name utility option 216 symbols as 45
COFF container elements in XML 256
defined 263 contents XML container element 259
symbolic debugging directives 252 contents XML element 259
syntax 253 split_section logical group 259
command file controlling diagnostic messages 144
defined 264 --copy_file assembler option 36
command files .copy directive 37, 63, 75
appending to command line 36 copy files 75
hex conversion utility 223 --copy_file assembler option 36
linker 140, 156 .copy assembler directive 37
constants in 157 copyright XML element 256
example 201 copy routine
reserved words 157 general-purpose 194
comment field 41 COPY section 179
comments copy tables automatically generated by linker 190
defined 264 contents 193
extending past page width 90 sections and symbols 195
in a link command file 156 -cr alias for --ram_model linker option 141, 153
in assembly language source code 41 creating
in macros 126 holes 186
source statement format 41 creating holes 187
common object file format --cross_reference assembler option 36
defined 263 cross-reference listing 52
compiler cross-reference lister 209
defined 263 creating the cross-reference listing 210
--compress_dwarf linker option 141, 144 defined 264
conditional blocks 87, 123 development flow 210
assembly directives 63, 87 example 211
in macros 123 invoking 210
maximum nesting levels 123 listings 36, 52
listing of false conditional blocks 82 producing with the .option directive 62, 98
conditional expressions 49 options
conditional linking -l 210
.clink assembler directive 74 -q 210
--disable_clink linker option 145 symbol attributes 213
conditional processing xref6x command 210
defined 264 cross-reference listing
configured memory 181 defined 264
defined 264 C software stack 198
constant C++ specific conversions to assembly 248
defined 264 derived classes 248
constant elements in XML 256 name mangling 248
constants 45 templates 249
assembly-time 42, 101 virtual functions 249
binary integers 41 .cstring assembler directive 250
character 42 C strings 246
decimal integers 42 C system stack 154
floating-point 78
hexadecimal integers 42 D
in command files 157 d archiver command 134
octal integers 41 .data directive 21, 57, 77

linker definition 183 .drnolist directive 62, 79

.data section 57, 77 use in macros 127
defined 264 DSECT section 179
-d disassembler option 215 dummy section 179
decimal integer constants 42 DWARF symbolic debugging directives
default format 252
allocation 180 syntax 253
fill value for holes 146 .dwattr DWARF debugging directive 252
memory allocation 28 .dwcfi DWARF debugging directive 252
MEMORY configuration 180 .dwcie DWARF debugging directive 252
SECTIONS configuration 161, 180 .dwendentry DWARF debugging directive 252
.def directive 63 .dwendtag DWARF debugging directive 252
identifying external symbols 31 .dwfde DWARF debugging directive 252
.define assembler directive 249 .dwpsn DWARF debugging directive 252
$defined assembler directive 250 .dwtag DWARF debugging directive 252
--define linker option 141
#define macros 245 E
defining macros 114 -e absolute lister option 205
DefLn entry in cross-reference listing 211 -e alias for --entry_point linker option 141, 146
development tools overview 16 edata linker symbol 183
--diag_error linker option 141, 144 .else directive 63, 87
--diag_remark linker option 141, 144 use in macros 123
--diag_suppress linker option 141, 144 .elseif directive 63, 87
--diag_warning linker option 141, 144 use in macros 123
diagnostic messages .emsg directive 65, 80, 126
controlling 144 listing control 62, 79
emulator
generating 144
defined 264
suppressing 144
enabling symbol mapping in the linker 154
directives
.endasmfunc directive 65, 68
assembler 53
end assembly 81
defined 264
.endblock COFF debugging directive 252
hex conversion utility 219
.end directive 65, 81
linker 137
END(e) linker operator 185
directory search algorithm
.endfunc COFF debugging directive 252
assembler 37
.endif directive 63, 87
linker 148
use in macros 123
dis430 command 215
end linker symbol 183
--disable_auto_rts linker option 141, 145
.endloop directive 63, 93
--disable_clink linker option 141, 145
use in macros 123
--disable_pp linker option 141
.endm assembler directive 94
disassembler
.endm directive 114
invoking 215
.endstruct directive 64, 105
options 215
.endunion directive 64
--display_error_number compiler option 145
--entry_point linker option 141, 146
--display_error_number linker option 141
entry_point XML element 256
-d name utility option 216
entry point
document element in XML 256
defined 264
header elements 256
entry points
input file list 257
_c_int00 146, 200
logical group list 259
_main 146
object component list 258
assigning values to 146
placement map 261
default value 146
symbol table 262
for C code 200
.double directive 59, 78
for the linker 146
.drlist directive 62, 79
environment variable
use in macros 127
defined 264

environment variables extensions
C_DIR 147 changing defaults 205
MSP430_A_DIR 38, 148 macros
MSP430_C_DIR 148 in macro libraries 122
.eos COFF debugging directive 252 files ROMS specification 229
EPROM programmer 17 file XML element 257
.equ directive 64, 101 --fill_value linker option 141, 146
#error and #warning directives 245 fill_value XML element 261
error messages -fill hex conversion utility option 222, 235
generating 65 filling holes 188
producing in macros 126 fill MEMORY specification 160
.etag COFF debugging directive 252 fill ROMS specification 229
etext linker symbol 183 fill value 188, 229
.eval directive 64, 67 default 146
listing control 62, 79 setting 146
use in macros 117 .float directive 59, 78
-exclude hex conversion utility option 222 floating-point constants 78
executable module -f name utility option 216
defined 264 .func COFF debugging directive 252
executable output 143 function
relocatable 143 subsections 147
expression function/variable prototypes 247
defined 264
expressions 47 G
arithmetic operators 48 -g alias for --make_global linker option 141, 149
conditional 49 -g alias for --symdebug:dwarf assembler option 37, 51
conditional operators 49 --gen_func_subsections 141
left-to-right evaluation 47 --gen_func_subsections compiler option 147
linker 182 --generate_dead_funcs_list linker option 141, 147
overflow 48 .global directive 63
identifying external symbols 31
parentheses effect on evaluation 47
global symbol
precedence of operators 47
defined 264
underflow 48
global symbols 149
well-defined 48
making static with --make_static option 149
external symbol
overriding --make_static option 149
defined 264
-g name utility option 216
external symbols 31
-g object file display option 214
F GROUP statement 177
-f alias for --fill_value linker option 141, 146 defined 264
.fclist directive 62, 82
listing control 62, 79
H
use in macros 127 .half directive 86
.fcnolist directive 62, 82 -h alias for --make_static linker option 141, 149
hardware stack
C language 198
use in macros 127
-h disassembler option 215
field
defined 264 --heap_size linker option 141, 147
.field directive 59, 83 -heap alias for --heap_size linker option 141, 147
file -heap linker option
.sysmem section 198
copy 36
-help alias for --linker_help linker option 141
include 36
hex430 command 221
.file COFF debugging directive 252
hexadecimal integers 42
filenames
as character strings 43
command files 223
copy/include files 37
invoking 223

ROMS directive 223 HIGH linker location specifier 165

SECTIONS directive 223 -h name utility option 216
configuring memory widths hole
defining memory word width (memwidth) 222 defined 264
specifying output width (romwidth) 222 holes
defined 264 creating 186, 187
filling holes with value 222 filling 188, 235
generating a map file 222 fill value 162, 235
generating a quiet run 222 in output sections 187
hex430 command 221 in uninitialized sections 188
ignore specified section 222 H operand of .option directive 62, 98
image mode
defining the target memory 235
I
-i alias for --include_path assembler option 36, 37
filling holes 235
-i alias for --search_path linker option 141, 148
invoking 234
-I disassembler option 215
numbering output locations by bytes 222
.if directive 63, 87
resetting address origin to 0 222
use in macros 123
include linker fill sections in images 222 -i hex conversion utility option 222, 237
in the development flow 220 -image hex conversion utility option 222, 234
invoking 221 I MEMORY attribute 160
from the command line 221 * in assembly language source 41
in a command file 221 --include_file assembler option 36
memory width (memwidth) 225 --include_path assembler option 36, 37
exceptions 225 examples by operating system 37
options maximum number per invocation 37
-a 236 .include directive 37, 63, 75, 245
-fill 235 include files 36, 37, 75
-i 237 incremental linking 197
-image 234 defined 264
-m 238 initialization
-map 230 at load time
-memwidth 225 defined 265
-o 233 initialized sections 22, 186
-q 223 .data section 22, 77
-romwidth 226 defined 265
summary table 222 .sect section 22, 100
-t 239 subsections 22
-x 241 .text section 22, 108
ordering memory words initializing
big-endian ordering 222, 227 16-bit integers 86, 88
little-endian ordering 222, 227 bytes 70
output filenames 233 multiple-bit field 83
default filenames 233 single-precision floating-point values 78
ROMS directive 228 text 104
creating a map file of 230 input
defining the target memory 235 linker 158
example 230 sections 167
parameters 228 input_file_list XML container element 257
ROM width (romwidth) 226 input_file_ref XML element 258
SECTIONS directive 232 input_file XML element 257
parameters 232 input section
specifying image mode 222 defined 265
target width 224 .int directive 59, 88
high-level language debugging Intel object format 219, 237
defined 264 invoking

archiver 134 assigning symbols 181
assembler 36 assignment expressions 182
cross-reference lister 210 automatic splitting of output sections 170
disassembler 215 C code 198
hex conversion utility 221 checking consistency of run and load allocators 178
linker 140 cl430 --run_linker command 140
name utility 216 command files 140, 156
object file display utility 214 example 201
strip utility 217 configured memory 181
ISO defined 265
defined 265 END(e) operator 185
--issue_remarks linker option 141, 145 example 200
generated copy tables 189
J GROUP statement 175, 177
-j alias for --disable_clink linker option 141, 145
handling object module sections 27
input 156
K
in the development flow 139
keywords
invoking 140
allocation parameters 163
keywords 173
load 30, 163, 173
run 30, 163, 173 linking C code 153, 198
kind XML element 257 LOAD_END(e) operator 185
LOAD_SIZE(e) operator 185
L LOAD_START(e) operator 185
label loading a program 31
case sensitivity 37 MEMORY directive 27, 159
defined 265 naming UNIONs and GROUPs 179
.label directive 64, 89 nesting UNIONs and GROUPs 177
linker description 174 object libraries 158
label field 40 object modules 137
labels 43 | operator 170
defined and referenced (cross-reference list) 52 operators 182
in assembly language source 40 options
in macros 125 abs 153
local 43, 97 --absolute_exe 143
symbols used as 43 -ar 143
syntax 40 --arg_size 144
using with .byte directive 70 -c 199
-l alias for --library linker option 141, 147 --compress_dwarf 144
-l cross-reference lister option 210 diagnostic 144
left-to-right evaluation (of expressions) 47 --disable_auto_rts 145
.length directive 62, 90 --disable_clink 145
listing control 62
--entry_point 146
length MEMORY specification 160
-fill_value 146
length ROMS specification 228
--heap_size 147
length XML element 261
-library 147
--library linker option 141, 147
--make_global 149
library search
--make_static 149
algorithm 147
using alternate mechanism 153 --map_file 149
.line COFF debugging directive 252 --no_sym_merge (COFF only) 152
link_time XML element 256 --no_sym_table 152
linker 137 --output_file 152
allocating archive member to output section 171 --priority 153
allocation to multiple memory ranges 170 --ram_model 153, 199
angle bracket <> operator 171 --relocatable 143

--reread_libs 153 file 62

--rom_model 153 creating with the --asm_listing option 36
--search_path 148 format 49
--stack_size 154 page eject 62
--strict_compatibility 154 page size 62, 90
summary table 141 listing file
--symbol_map 154 defined 265
--undef_sym 154 little endian
--warn_sections 155 defined 265
ordering 227
--xml_link_info 155
-l name utility option 216
output 200
LnkVal entry in cross-reference listing 211
overview 138
load_address XML element
partial linking 197
logical_group logical group 259
reducing memory fragmentation 181
RUN_END(e) operator 185
LOAD_END(e) linker operator 185
RUN_SIZE(e) operator 185 LOAD_SIZE(e) linker operator 185
RUN_START(e) operator 185 LOAD_START(e) linker operator 189
section run-time address 173 load address of a section 173
sections 28 referring to with a label 174
output 180 loader
special 179 defined 265
SECTIONS directive 27, 161 loading a program 31
SIZE(e) operator 185 load linker keyword 30, 173
START(e) operator 185 local labels 43
symbols 31, 183 logical_group_list XML container element 259
table(e) operator 192 logical_group XML container element 259
unconfigured memory logical operators 48
overlaying 179 .long directive 59, 88
UNION statement 175, 190 limiting listing with the .option directive 62, 98
>> operator 170 .loop directive 63, 93
--linker_help linker option 141 use in macros 123
linker directives
MEMORY 27, 159 M
SECTIONS 27, 161 macro
-linkerfill hex conversion utility option 222 defined 265
linker-generated copy tables 189 macro call defined 265
automatic 190 macro definition defined 265
boot-loaded application process 189 macro expansion defined 265
alternative approach 189 .macro assembler directive 94
boot-time copy table 192 .macro directive 114
contents 193 summary table 129
general-purpose copy routine 194 macros 113
overlay management 195 conditional assembly 123
overlay management example 190 conversion of C macros to assembly 245
sections and symbols 195 defining a macro 114
splitting object components 195 description 114
table(e) operator 191 directives summary 129
manage object components 192 disabling macro expansion listing 62, 98
.list directive 62, 91 formatting the output listing 127
lister labels 125
absolute 203 macro comments 126
cross-reference 209 macro libraries 122, 132
listing defined 265
control 62, 96, 98, 99, 109 nested macros 128
cross-reference listing 62, 98 parameters 116

producing messages 126 .mmsg directive 65, 80, 126
recursive macros 128 listing control 62, 79
substitution symbols 116 mnemonic
using a macro 114 defined 265
--make_global linker option 141, 149 mnemonic field 40
--make_static linker option 141, 149 syntax 39
-m alias for --map_file linker option 141, 149 .mnolist directive 62, 96
malloc(e) function 198 listing control 62, 79
--map_file linker option 141, 149 use in macros 127
map file 149, 230 model statement 115
defined 265 defined 265
example 202, 230 M operand of .option directive 62, 98
--mapfile_contents linker option 141, 150 Motorola-S object format 219, 238
-map hex conversion utility option 222 MSP430_A_DIR environment variable 38, 148, 149
member MSP430_C_DIR environment variable 148
defined 265
.member COFF debugging directive 252
N
named memory 164
memory
allocation 180 named sections 22
default 28 defined 265
map 28 .sect directive 22, 100
.usect directive 22, 110
named 164
pool name MEMORY specification 160
name utility
C language 198
unconfigured 159 invoking 216
memory_area XML container element 261 options 216
memory fragmentation reducing 181 name XML element
MEMORY linker directive entry_point header element 256
default model 180 input file list 257
object module overview 27 logical_group logical group 259
syntax 159, 160 object component list 258
memory map overlay logical group 259
defined 265 placement map 261
memory ranges split_section logical group 259
allocation to multiple 170 symbol table 262
memory widths naming UNIONs and GROUPs 179
memory width (memwidth) 225 nested macros 128
exceptions 225 .newblock directive 65, 97
ordering memory words nm430 command 216
big-endian ordering 227 -n name utility option 216
little-endian ordering 227 --no_demangle linker option 141, 151
ROM width (romwidth) 226 --no_sym_merge linker option 141
target width 224 --no_sym_merge linker option (COFF only) 152
memory words --no_sym_table linker option 141, 152, 197
ordering --no_warnings linker option 141, 145
big-endian 227 .nolist directive 62, 91
little-endian 227 NOLOAD section 179
-memwidth hex conversion utility option 222, 225 N operand of .option directive 62, 98
memwidth ROMS specification 225, 228 notes on C/C++ conversions to assembly
.mexit directive 114 __ASM__HEADER__ 245
-m hex conversion utility option 222, 238 basic types 248
.mlib directive 63, 95, 122 C built-in functions 247
use in macros 37 C constant suffixes 248
.mlist directive 62, 96 comments 244
listing control 62, 79 conditional compilation 245
use in macros 127 C strings 246

#define macros 245 named 22, 186

enumerations 246 special types 179
#error and #warning directives 245 uninitialized 21
function/variable prototypes 247 uninitialized sections 21
#include directive 245 octal integer constants 41
pragmas 245 ofd430 command 214
structures and unions 247 -o hex conversion utility option 222
#undef directive 246 -o name utility option 216
usage in C asm() statements 245 -o object file display option 214
O operand of .option directive 62, 98
O operand
-o alias for --output_file linker option 141, 152 defined 265
object_component_list XML container element 258 operands
object_component XML element 258 field 40
object code (source listing) 49 label 43
object file local label 43
conversion to hexadecimal format 219 source statement format 40
defined 265 operator precedence order 11, 48
library 158 .option directive 62, 98
object file display utility options
invoking 214 absolute lister 205
options 214 aliases
object files assembler 36
sections 20 linker 141
allocation 20 archiver 134
symbol table 31 assembler 36
object formats cross-reference lister 210
address bits 236 defined 265
ASCII-Hex 219, 236 diagnostics 144
selecting 222 disassembler 215
Intel 219, 237 hex conversion utility 221
selecting 222 linker 141
Motorola-S 219, 238 name utility 216
selecting 222 object file display utility 214
output width 236 strip utility 217
Tektronix 219, 241 ordering memory words
selecting 222 big-endian ordering 227
TI-Tagged 219, 239 little-endian ordering 227
selecting 222 --order LS hex conversion utility option 222
TI-Txt --order MS hex conversion utility option 222
selecting 222
origin MEMORY specification 160
object libraries 147, 198
origin ROMS specification 228
using the archiver to build 132
origin XML element 261
object library
output
defined 265
absolute lister 205
object modules
archiver 132
default allocation 180
assembler 33
initialized sections 22
cross-reference lister 211
linker 137
executable 143
loading a program 31
relocatable 143
relocation 29
run-time relocation 30
linker 200
sections
listing 62
assembler 21
module
initialized 22
defined 265
linker 27

module name (linker) 152 absolute lister 205
section archiver 134
defined 265 assembler 36
sections cross-reference lister 210
allocating archive member to 171 defined 266
allocation 163 hex conversion utility 223
displaying a message 155
methods 180 R
splitting 170 -r alias for --relocatable linker option 141, 143
--output_all_syms assembler option 36 --ram_model linker option 141, 153, 183, 199
--output_file linker option 141, 152 r archiver command 134
output_file XML element 256 raw data
overflow (in expression) 48 defined 266
overlaying sections 175 -R disassembler option 215
managing linker-generated copy tables 195 recursive macros 128
overlay XML logical group 259 .ref directive 63
identifying external symbols 31
P reference elements in XML 256
paddr SECTIONS specification 232 RefLn entry in cross-reference listing 211
page register symbols 46
eject 99 relational operators
length 90 in conditional expressions 49
title 109 --relocatable linker option 141, 143, 197
width 90 relocatable output module 143
page_id XML element 261 executable 143
.page directive 62, 99 relocation 29
parentheses in expressions 47 at run time 30
partial linking 197 capabilities 142
defined 266 defined 266
path XML element 257 --reread_libs linker option 141, 153
perform preprocessing on assembly files reserved words
write list of dependency lines 36 linker 157
write list of files included with .include 36 resetting local labels 97
placement_map XML container element 261 R MEMORY attribute 160
-p name utility option 216 -r name utility option 216
precedence groups 47 --rom_model linker option 141, 153, 183, 199
linker 182 ROM device address 235
predefined names romname ROMS specification 228
--asm_define assembler option 36 ROMS directive 228
undefining with --asm_undefine assembler option 36 creating map file of 230
--priority linker option 141, 153 example 230
processor symbols 46 parameters 228
producing help listing 141 ROM width
-p strip utility option 217 defined 266
-romwidth hex conversion utility option 222, 226
Q romwidth ROMS specification 226, 228
-q absolute lister option 205 ROM width (romwidth) 226
-q alias for --quiet assembler option 36 R operand of .option directive 62, 98
-q archiver option 134 RTYP entry in cross-reference listing 211
-q cross-reference lister option 210 --run_abs linker option 141, 153
-q disassembler option 215 run_address XML element
-q hex conversion utility option 222, 223 logical group 259
-q name utility option 216 object component list 258
-qq disassembler option 215 overlay logical group 259
--quiet assembler option 36 RUN_END(e) linker operator 185
quiet run RUN_SIZE(e) linker operator 185

RUN_START(e) linker operator 189 input sections 161, 167

run address .label directive 174
defined 266 load allocation 161
run address of a section 173 memory 164
run linker keyword 30, 173 named memory 164
run time object modules overview 27
initialization 198 reserved words 157
support 198
run allocation 161
run-time-support
section specification 161
library
section type 161
defined 266
specifying
run-time-support library 198, 200
run-time address 30, 173
S two addresses 30, 173
-s alias for --no_sym_table linker option 141, 152 splitting of output sections 170
-s archiver option 134 syntax 161
--scan_libraries linker option 141 uninitialized sections 173
-s disassembler option 215 UNION 175
--search_path linker option 141, 148 use with MEMORY directive 159
search libraries .sect section 57, 100
using alternate mechanism 153 --set_error_limit linker option 142, 145
using --priority linker option 153 .set directive 64, 101
.sect directive 21, 57, 100 .setsect assembler directive 207
section .setsym assembler directive 207
allocation into memory 180 .short directive 86
creating your own 22 sign extend
default allocation 180 defined 266
defined 266 simulator
defined 266
description 20
SIZE(e) linker operator 189
directives 24
$sizeof assembler function 250
initialized 22
size XML element
input sections 161
named 22
object modules 19
overlay logical group 259
overlaying with UNION statement 175 sname SECTIONS specification 232
relocation 29
-s name utility option 216
at run time 30 source file
special types 179 assembler for object file display utility 214
specification 161 defined 266
specifying a run-time address 173 directory 37
specifying linker input sections 167 for disassembler 215
uninitialized 21
for name utility 216
initializing 188 for strip utility 217
specifying a run address 173
source listings 49
SECTIONS hex conversion utility directive 232
source statement
SECTIONS linker directive 161
field (source listing) 50
alignment 166 format 39
allocating archive member to output section 171 comment field 41
allocation 163 label field 40
allocation using multiple memory ranges 170 mnemonic field 40
binding 164 operand field 40
blocking 166 number (source listing) 49
control allocation with HIGH specifier 165 .space directive 61, 102
default allocation 180 SPC (section program counter) 24
fill value 162 aligning
GROUP 177 by creating a hole 187

to byte boundaries 61 structure
to word boundaries 66 defined 266
assembler's effect on 24 stag 64, 105
assigning label 40 structures and unions
defined 266 conversion of C to assembly 247
linker symbol 182, 187 style and symbol conventions 14
predefined symbol for 46 subsection
value defined 266
associated with labels 40 initialized 22
shown in source listings 49 overview 23
special section types 179 substitution symbols 47
specifying output filename 222 arithmetic operations on 64, 117
split_section XML logical group 259 as local variables in macros 121
.sslist directive 62, 103 assigning character strings to 47, 64, 67
listing control 62, 79 built-in functions 118
use in macros 127 directives that define 117
.ssnolist directive 62, 103 expansion listing 62, 103
listing control 62, 79 forcing substitution 119
use in macros 127 in macros 116
--stack_size linker option 141, 154 maximum number per macro 116
-stack linker option passing commas and semicolons 116
.stack section 198 recursive substitution 119
.stag COFF debugging directive 252 subscripted substitution 120
stag structure tag 64, 105 .var directive 121
START(e) linker operator 185 suppressing diagnostic messages 144
static symbols symbol
creating with --make_static option 149 assembler-defined 31, 36
static variable assembly language usage 43
defined 266 assigning values to 101
storage class at link time 181
defined 266
attributes 52
--strict_compatibility linker option 142, 154
case 37
.string directive 59, 104
character strings 43
limiting listing with the .option directive 62, 98
cross-reference lister 213
string elements in XML 256
defined 266
string functions (substitution symbols)
defined only for C support 183
$firstch 118
definitions (cross-reference list) 52
$iscons 118
external 31
$isdefed 118
global 149
$ismember 118
in an object file 31
$isname 118
linker-defined 183
$isreg 118
number of statements that reference 52
$lastch 118
predefined 46
$symcmp 118
$symlen 118 reserved words 157
strings setting to a constant value 45
conversion of C strings to assembly 246 statement number that defines 52
strip430 command 217 substitution 47
stripping table 31
line number entries 152 creating entries 31
symbolic debugging information 217 placing unresolved symbols in 154
symbol table information 152, 217 stripping entries 152
strip utility undefining assembler-defined symbols 36
invoking 217 unresolved 154
option 217 used as labels 43
.struct directive 64, 105 value assigned 52

--symbol_map linker option 142, 154 U

symbol_table XML container element 262 -u alias for --undef_sym linker option 141, 154
$ symbol for SPC 46 u archiver command 134
symbolic constants 46 -u name utility option 216
$ 46 .unasg assembler directive 249
defining 45 unconfigured memory 159
processor symbols 46 defined 266
register symbols 46 overlaying 179
symbolic debugging 251 --undef_sym linker option 141, 154
assembly source 51 .undef assembler directive 249
COFF directives 252 #undef directive 246
COFF directives syntax 253 --undefine linker option 142
defined 266 underflow (in expression) 48
directives 251 uninitialized sections 21, 186
disable merge for linker (--no_sym_merge COFF .bss section 21, 69
option) 152 defined 267
DWARF directives 252 initialization of 188
DWARF directives syntax 253 specifying a run address 173
producing error messages in macros 126 .usect section 21, 110
put all symbols in symbol table (--output_all_syms .union directive 64
assembler option) 36 UNION statement 175
stripping symbol table 152 defined 267
symbol XML container element 262 memory overlay example 190
.sym COFF debugging directive 252 unsigned
--symdebug:dwarf assembler option 37, 51 defined 267
--syms_ignore_case assembler option 37 unused_space XML element 261
syntax of assignment statements 181 usage_details XML element 261
system stack --use_hw_mpy linker option 155
C language 154, 198 .usect directive 21, 57, 110
used_space XML element 261
T use hardware multiplier routine (--use_hw_mpy linker
.tab directive 62, 107 option) 155
table(e) linker operator 191 user messages defined with directives 80
used to manage object components 192 using C/C header files in assembly code
tag .cdecls directive 71
defined 266 .utag COFF debugging directive 252
.tag directive 64, 105
t archiver command 134 V
target memory value XML element 262
configuration 156 -v archiver option 134
defined 266 .var directive 64, 112, 121
loading a program into 146 listing control 62, 79
model 159 variables
target width 224 local
-t disassembler option 215 substitution symbols used as 121
Tektronix object format 219, 241 --verbose_diagnostics linker option 142, 145
.text directive 21, 57, 108
linker definition 183 W
.text section 57, 108 -w alias for --warn_sections linker option 141, 155
defined 266 --warn_sections linker option 141, 155
-t hex conversion utility option 222, 239 well-defined expressions 48
-ti_txt hex conversion utility option 222 defined 267
TI-Tagged object format 219, 239 .width directive 62, 90
.title directive 62, 109 listing control 62
-t name utility option 216 W MEMORY attribute 160
T operand of .option directive 62, 98 .wmsg directive 65, 80, 126

W operand of .option directive 62, 98 placement map 261
word split_section logical group 259
defined 267 symbol table 262
word alignment 66 object_component_list container element 258
.word directive 59, 88 object_component element 258
limiting listing with the .option directive 62, 98 origin element 261
output_file element 256
X overlay logical group 259
-x alias for --reread_libs linker option 141, 153
page_id element 261
x archiver command 134
path element 257
-x hex conversion utility option 222, 241
placement_map container element 261
X MEMORY attribute 160
run_address element
--xml_link_info linker option 141, 155
XML element 262
address entry 256
allocated_space element 261
size element
attributes element 261
banner element 256
contents container element
size XML element
split_section logical group 259
split_section logical group 259
contents element
symbol_table container element 262
unused_space element 261
copyright element 256
usage_details element 261
entry_point element 256
used_space element 261
file element 257
value element 262
fill_value element 261
XML link information file
input_file_list container element 257
description 255
input_file_ref element 258
document elements detailed 256
input_file element 257
header elements 256
kind element 257
input file list 257
length element 261
logical group list 259
link_info 256
link_time element 256
placement map 261
load_address element
symbol table 262
element types 256
name XML element
logical_group_list container element 259
logical_group container element 259 --xml_link_info linker option 155, 255
memory_area container element 261 -x object file display option 214
name element X operand of .option directive 62, 98
entry_point header element 256 xref6x command 210
input file list 257
object component list 258 Z
overlay logical group 259 -zero hex conversion utility option 222

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MSP430 Assembly Language Tools v 3.

Literature Number: SLAU131B

2 Introduction to Object Modules .................................................................................. 19

3 Assembler Description .............................................................................................. 33

SLAU131B – March 2008 Contents 3

3.6.4 Hexadecimal Integers ............................................................................................. 42

4 Assembler Directives ................................................................................................ 53

5 Macro Description ................................................................................................... 113

4 Contents SLAU131B – March 2008

6 Archiver Description ............................................................................................... 131

7 Linker Description .................................................................................................. 137

SLAU131B – March 2008 Contents 5

7.7.1 Default Memory Model .......................................................................................... 159

6 Contents SLAU131B – March 2008

7.15.11 Splitting Object Components and Overlay Management ................................................ 195

8 Absolute Lister Description ...................................................................................... 203

9 Cross-Reference Lister Description .......................................................................... 209

10 Object File Utilities Descriptions ............................................................................... 213

11 Hex Conversion Utility Description ........................................................................... 219

SLAU131B – March 2008 Contents 7

11.10.3 Motorola Exorciser Object Format (-m Option) ............................................................ 238

12 Sharing C/C++ Header Files With Assembly Source .................................................... 243

A Symbolic Debugging Directives ................................................................................ 251

B XML Link Information File Description ....................................................................... 255

8 Contents SLAU131B – March 2008

B.2.6 Symbol Table ..................................................................................................... 262

C Glossary ................................................................................................................ 263

SLAU131B – March 2008 Contents 9

10 List of Figures SLAU131B – March 2008

SLAU131B – March 2008 List of Tables 11

Read This First

About This Manual

SLAU131B – March 2008 Read This First 13

Related Documentation From Texas Instruments

14 Read This First SLAU131B – March 2008

Introduction to the Software Development Tools

Topic .................................................................................................. Page

1.1 Software Development Tools Overview........................................ 16

SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to the Software Development Tools 15

1.1 Software Development Tools Overview

Figure 1-1. MSP430 Software Development Flow

EPROM Cross-reference Object file MSP430

16 Introduction to the Software Development Tools SLAU131B – March 2008

1.2 Tools Descriptions

SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to the Software Development Tools 17

Introduction to Object Modules

Topic .................................................................................................. Page

SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to Object Modules 19

Figure 2-1. Partitioning Memory Into Logical Blocks

20 Introduction to Object Modules SLAU131B – March 2008

Default Sections Directive

2.2.1 Uninitialized Sections

SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to Object Modules 21

2.2.2 Initialized Sections

2.2.3 Named Sections

Two directives let you create named sections:

22 Introduction to Object Modules SLAU131B – March 2008

symbol .usect "section name", size in bytes [, alignment ]

symbol .usect "section name:subsection name", size in bytes [, alignment ]

SLAU131B – March 2008 Introduction to Object Modules 23

2.2.5 Section Program Counters

2.2.6 Using Sections Directives

24 Introduction to Object Modules SLAU131B – March 2008

1 Generating Relocation Entries